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06/10/2025ANAHEIM CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OF JUNE 10, 2025 The regular meeting of June 10, 2025 was called to order at 3:01 p.m. in the Council Chamber of Anaheim City Hall, located at 200 South Anaheim Boulevard. The meeting notice, agenda, and related material were duly posted on June 5, 2025. MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ashlegh E. Aitken and Council Members Natalie Meeks, Ryan Balius, Norma Campos Kurtz, and Kristen M. Maahs. Council Member Carlos A. Leon and Council Member Natalie Rubalcava joined the meeting during Closed Session. STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Jim Vanderpool, City Attorney Robert Fabela, and City Clerk Theresa Bass ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO CLOSED SESSION: City Clerk Theresa Bass reported that Closed Session Item No. 1 has been removed from the Closed Session agenda and continued to June 17, 2025. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEM: None CLOSED SESSION: At 3:02 p.m., Mayor Aitken recessed to closed session for consideration of the following: 1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING LITIGATION (Subdivision (d)(1) of Section 54956.9 of the California Government Code) Name of Case: Winter Myers v. Anaheim Convention Center; City of Anaheim, USDC Case No. 30-2023-01340784-C U-PO-NJ C Item No. 01 Continued to City Council meeting of June 17, 2025. 2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Subdivision (a) of Section 54957.6 of the California Government Code) Agency Designated Representative: Linda Andal, Human Resources Director Name of Employee Organization: Anaheim Fire Association At 4:12 p.m., Mayor Aitken reconvened the City Council. MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ashleigh E. Aitken and Council Members Natalie Meeks, Ryan Balius, Carlos A. Leon, Natalie Rubalcava, Norma Campos Kurtz, and Kristen M. Maahs D106 WORKSHOP: Proposed Fiscal Year 2025/26 Budget (Citywide Overview; Administrative Support Departments; Community Services; Housing & Community Development; Public Works; and Public Utilities) City Manager Jim Vanderpool reported the workshop is the first of two on the City's proposed budget for FY 2025/26. He noted that the presentation will include a budget overview and presentations from Community Services, Housing and Community Development, Public Works, and Utilities with presentations from public safety, Planning, Economic Development, and Convention, Sports, and Entertainment next week. He shared that the budget upholds funding for the City's services to the community, which are the most extensive services of any Orange County city. He reported that the balanced budget presented included the use of reserves, bond proceeds, and one-time revenues City Council Minutes of June 10, 2025 Page 2 of 31 from the sale of Car Park 2. He explained that the City is experiencing challenges with Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) revenue growth compared to previous years. He shared that the City is anticipating a modest TOT growth of 2.4% for the next fiscal year. He added that there are higher costs for everything and higher labor costs. He noted that the changes are reflected across other cities and organizations. He further reported that although the payment of 1997 Resort bonds will generate $120 million in annual revenue, the payment is not expected until 2027. He shared that the City projects increased visitor revenues in the following years due to OCVIBE and Disneyland Forward. City Manager Vanderpool shared that the results of the Citywide classification and compensation study and expiring labor agreement pose the prospect of higher labor costs in upcoming years. He noted that staff will continue to monitor the federal budget. He explained that while there would be the potential for cuts to federally funded programs which would impact anticipated revenue after the bonds have been paid. He shared that despite these challenges, the community can be reassured that the City will continue to work through these issues with their input, guidance, and public engagement. Citywide Overview and Administrative Support Departments Director of Finance Debbie Moreno reported that the proposed budget is aligned with the City's approved Strategic Plan. She noted that the Strategic Plan has six multi -year goals, and each goal has an associated set of strategies for success and reflects the City's plans for the next 10 years. She shared that while building the budget, staff considered forecasts from economists and local universities and relied on the professional judgment of staff and industry experts. She reported that the budget includes modest revenue growth and supports the City's existing levels of service, but does not contemplate a recession or economic downturn. She shared that the national economy has been resilient, inflation has stabilized, and consumer demand is steady, as average earnings have increased. She explained that there are recession concerns due to the effects of potential tariffs on Gross Domestic Product (GDP), increases in unemployment, and changes in consumer confidence levels. She added that luxury spending and travel show signs of strain, and household debt is at an all-time high. Director Moreno shared that California faces several difficult issues as the State continues to have the highest unemployment rates in the country, instability in the home insurance market, wildfire impacts and a looming budget deficit. She reported that the risk of federal spending cuts could further impact the state budget and could directly impact Anaheim. She noted that in Orange County, development is strong, but travel through John Wayne Airport has declined by 10%. She reported impacts to TOT are the result of fewer international and domestic travelers coming to the US and California, who are instead choosing to travel to Asia and Europe. She shared that there may be an increase in tourism with Disneyland's 7011 Anniversary; however, there may be volatility with some months experiencing growth while others decline. Director Moreno reported that the proposed FY 2025/26 budget includes Citywide expenditures totaling $2.4 billion. She shared that while the General Fund budget is only 22% of the total budget, it is the source of the majority of the City's discretionary funding and is used to support the City's core services such as Police, Fire, parks, and libraries. She noted that the remainder of the funds are restricted for specific purposes such as Enterprise operations that include electric, water, and sanitation utilities, and are not available to fund general City services. Director Moreno reported that the budget includes a proposed Capital Improvement Program (CIP) of $268.6 million. She explained that the CIP is a 5-year fiscal and planning tool that allocates budget for capital projects to rehabilitate, improve, or build new public infrastructure, such as streets, parks, City Council Minutes of June 10, 2025 Page 3 of 31 and libraries. She noted that most projects are supported by restricted funding sources and divided into seven (7) project categories. She reported that the proposed CIP budget includes 5 years of capital needs; however, only the first year will be adopted. She noted that approval of the plan does not guarantee approval of individual projects, and through the development process, projects will be presented to City Council for final approval and contract award. Director Moreno reported that the General Fund is the main repository of tax revenues and discretionary sources of funding. She noted that the "Big 3" revenues (Transient Occupancy, Sales and Use, and Property Taxes) make up 74% of General Fund revenue sources. She shared that the largest source is Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) at 39%, followed by Sales and Use Tax at 18%, Property taxes at 17%, and Business License, Fees and Permits, other revenues, and transfers from other funds, making up the remaining revenue. Director Moreno reported that the proposed TOT budget for FY 2025/26 is $247 million or 39% of the General Fund operating sources. She noted that visitors to the City pay a 15% tax on hotel, motel, and short-term rental stays of 30 days or less. She shared that TOT is the City's largest source of General Fund revenue and is driven by visitors to the Anaheim Resort and generates a net surplus of more than $140 million after all debt service and resort -related expenses are paid. She noted that it helps fund services to the community that would otherwise be funded by taxes on Anaheim residents. She reported that the TOT projection is $241 million or 2.8% below the prior year's actuals and 11% below budget. She shared that despite declines, the TOT is expected to grow 2.4% over the next 12 months. She added that the proposed TOT amount of $246.6 million is still below the FY 2023/24; however, staff expect mixed results throughout the year and will monitor performance. She noted that TOT is expected to grow moderately in years 2-5 of the Five -Year forecast with average increases beginning at 3.9% before leveling out at 3-3.4% per year. Director Moreno reported that the proposed Sales and Use Tax budget for FY 2025/26 is $115 million, or 18% of General Fund operating sources. She explained that Sales and Use Tax is a tax applied to the sale of tangible personal property. She shared that Anaheim's sales tax rate at 7.75% of retail sales. She noted that the City receives 1 cent of every dollar spent in Anaheim, taxes collected by the state and paid to the City quarterly. She highlighted the City's diverse and balanced economy, with 30% from general retail and the remaining 70% is shared equally among the food, transportation, construction, and business -to -business categories. She reported that the current year sales tax is projected to be $112 million, 4% over the FY 2023/24 actuals. She noted that sales tax revenues have increased across all sectors except transportation due to the transition from gasoline to electric and hybrid vehicles. She shared that the projected sales tax for FY 2025/26 is $115 million, an increase of 2.5% from the projected FY 2024/25 revenues. She noted that future years' increase will increase 3% annually on average based on a moderate, sustained economic growth. Director Moreno reported that the proposed Property Tax budget for FY 25/26 is approximately $111 million, or 17% of General Fund operating sources. She noted that all real and tangible personal property in the State is subject to a property tax equal to 1% of the value. She shared that the County collects the revenue and distributes it to local taxing entities, noting that the City's share is 20%. She added that the balance is shared among other local taxing entities, including the County, Schools and special districts. She reported that property tax revenue is projected to be $106 million, 4.4% higher than FY 2023/24. She added that the volume of property sales has slowed with higher interest rates, but property values have remained stable. She noted that FY 2025/26 revenues are estimated to be $110.8 million, a 4.1 % increase, or $4.4 million from the current year projection. She noted that increases in the out years are moderate, while tapering to the statutory increase of 2%. Director Moreno reported on General Fund Uses and Expenditures, noting that nearly half of the uses are dedicated to keeping the City safe (Police and Fire). She noted that 6% of expenditures are City Council Minutes of June 10, 2025 Page 4of31 dedicated to Providing the Necessities (Utilities and Public Works), 15% for ensuring quality of life, and 7% towards support departments. She reported that a small portion of transfers goes toward Economic Development and other funds, with the majority to support debt. She shared that the bulk of the debt is for Resort Debt or Lease Payment Measurement Revenues (LPMR) that are determined by formula, and equal to a specified portion of TOT, and Sales and Property Tax increments on Disney properties. She added that Convention Center debt, neighborhood improvements for the Convention Center were included in the transfers. Director Moreno reported that Police make up 40.5% of expenditures. She continued that Fire makes up 24%, Community Services at 10%, Housing and Community Development at 3% which reflects the City's ongoing commitment to funding homeless shelters and services, Planning and Building at 6%, Public Works at 7%, and Public Utilities at less than 1 %. She noted that the expenditure for Public Utilities is mainly for streetlights and support for the 3-1-1 call center. She noted that Administrative and Supporting Activities made up the remaining 9% of expenditures. Director Moreno reported that labor expenditures totaling $369 million make up nearly 70% of the General Fund budget and include full and part-time salaries, overtime, Fire at minimum staffing and all associated employee benefit costs including medical, dental, workers' compensation and retirement. She noted that General Fund personnel costs are anticipated to increase 7% over the amended budget due to contractual salary and benefit increases, as well as new positions included in the budget. She added that other operating make up 29% of General Fund expenditures and total $154 million, a 4% increase from the amended budget due to normal inflationary increases and intradepartmental service charges related to Information Technology support and Fleet and Facility Maintenance. She shared that debt service and capital outlay make up less than 2% of General Fund expenditures with the majority of debt funding supported by a revenue transfer from the General Fund and paid out of a restricted debt service fund. Director Moreno outlined the City's proposed Five -Year Forecast which includes revenue assumptions based on current information and economic forecasts from notable universities, professional consultants, and professional staff judgment. She reported that the proposed operating sources are $608 million, including the big three revenues and other revenues. She added that operating uses are $671.9 million and include salaries and benefits based on current labor agreements, other operating costs and transfers out to other funds, leaving an operating deficit of $63.9 million. She shared that in March 2021, the City Council approved a plan to issue deficit bonds of $138 million to address the structural deficit coming out of the pandemic. She noted that the City is projected to use $50.5 million of working capital bond proceeds to close the year and use the remaining balance of $33.6 million in FY 2025/26. She noted that $10 million previously set aside for debt repayment and $20.3 million in proceeds from the Hilton parking structure sale to balance operating expenditures. She added that the remaining parking structure sale proceeds will be used in FY 2026/27 and will be drawn down on the City's reserve funds to balance the deficit. She shared that staff is projecting that the LPMR bonds will be paid off in 2027. She added that early payment of the LPMR bonds allows staff to recommend a budget that relies on reserves and one-time money rather than spending cuts that would temporarily reduce services to the community. She explained that even with one-time money and early repayment of LPMR, the reserves fall to 11 % of General Fund Expenditures, which is approaching minimum policy levels. Director Moreno reported that the Five -Year Forecast does not contemplate the threat of recession, or any other risks that could cause the deficit to grow and fund balances to dip below the minimum policy level. She added that any revenue loss associated with a recession could also compromise the projected payoff of the LPMR revenue bonds. She outlined potential impacts on the Big Three revenues if there were a recession. She reported the potential impacts that labor agreements have on the General Fund and an estimated 1 % salary adjustment. She noted that the City is a service City Council Minutes of June 10, 2025 Page 5 of 31 organization with 70% of the General Fund paying for the salaries and benefits of the workforce. She added that the Citywide classification and compensation study and expiring memoranda of understanding with several labor groups bring added risk to the Five -Year forecast. She shared additional risks of federal spending cuts, particularly to Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds which help support services in the Anaheim community. She explained that if any of the risks materialize and cause an imbalance, the City may need to reprioritize spending or alter service delivery. Director Moreno outlined the Administrative Departments' budgets, including City Council, City Administration, City Attorney, City Clerk, Finance, and Human Resources. She shared that City Council, City Administration, City Attorney and City Clerk are predominantly funded by the General Fund and remain largely unchanged from the prior year, aside from contractual increases in salaries and benefits. Director Moreno reported that the Finance Department has a proposed budget of $110.7 million and Human Resources has a proposed budget of about $363 million. She noted that their General Fund budgets are $17.5 million and $4.3 million, respectively, with the balance comprised of Citywide debt service, Information Services, Insurance, and the Employee Benefits funds. She added that the supporting departments recover approximately 30% of their General Fund budget from cost allocation to Enterprise Funds. She provided an overview of remaining Council workshops, community meetings, and outreach events. She noted that the proposed budget was made available on May 30tn and is available on the City's website. DISCUSSION: Mayor Pro Tern Meeks requested additional information on the City's reserve policy. Director Moreno reported that the reserve policy has remained between 7 to 11% as a minimum. She shared that the reserve level should be higher and has decreased significantly due to the pandemic. She recommended not falling below 11 %, noting the labor agreement and outstanding issues. She shared that the budget does not include a cushion if there is a downturn in the economy. In response to Mayor Pro Tern Meeks, Director Moreno shared that the City runs at a 6% vacancy rate, which can buy the City time before needing to consider hiring freezes and cuts. Council Member Maahs inquired how residents were notified about the budget workshops and community meetings. Director Moreno shared that the Public Information Office advertises the meetings. She noted that they use various social media platforms. In response to Council Member Maahs, Director Moreno reported that the meeting for Districts 5 and 6 was a special meeting due to the scheduling for the budget adoption. She shared that the City has not received public participation for FY 2025/26. She shared that staff can adjust strategies accordingly for the next fiscal year. Community Services Department Director of Community Services Sjany Larson -Cash shared that Community Services is made up of five Divisions consisting of Golf, Libraries, Parks and Capital Development, Recreation Services and Human and Neighborhood Services. She reported that the Department is proposing a budget with 103 full-time employees and 207 full-time equivalent, part-time employees, highlighting the impact part-time staff have on achieving the Department's mission. City Council Minutes of June 10, 2025 Page 6 of 31 Director Larson -Cash reported that the Department's proposed budget is $79.5 million, comprised of General Fund, Capital Funds, and Enterprise funds. She shared that the Department's budget makes up 3.3% of the City's total budget and 10% of the City's General Fund budget. She noted that the proposed Operating Budget is $71.6 million, with a General Fund allocation of $52.7 million and the remainder from other non -capital operating funds. She added that the Capital Improvement budget is $7.9 million and supports all capital projects. Director Larson -Cash outlined the $71.6 million operating budget comprised of 44% Personnel Costs, 56% Other Operating expenses, and less than 1 % for Capital Outlay and Debt Service. She shared that the Administration Budget is $1.2 million and is responsible for the oversight of the Department to provide innovative and creative programs, services and facilities that are designed to improve life in Anaheim. Director Larson -Cash reported that the $15.8 million Golf Operations budget is a fully self -supported enterprise fund. She highlighted the City's two golf courses, Dad Miller Golf on the west side and Anaheim Hills in the east. She noted that the popularity of golf has continued to rise with a 5% increase. She shared that golf programs include daily golf, tournaments, junior golf, lessons, restaurants and banquet services. She added that an increased demand and revenue have allowed the City to address deferred maintenance at the two courses. She noted that Gallery Food and Libations opened at Anaheim Hills Golf Club with major success and holes 1 and 12 were updated at the course. Director Larson -Cash reported that the Human and Neighborhood Services Division $9.2 million budget supports the stability, and well-being of Anaheim's youth, families, and older adults. She noted that Neighborhood Services acts as a single point of contact for residents, helping to resolve neighborhood concerns through district meetings, community cleanups, and the Mobile Family Resource Center program. She shared that the City's Older Adults Program fosters social engagement to reduce isolation, in partnership with over 100 local organizations offering health and wellness programs tailored to seniors. She added that Family Services continues to prioritize food insecurity, distributing more than 32,000 food boxes through our facilities. She reported that the Mobile Family Resource Center Program, in collaboration with community partners, made over 14,000 resident contacts, connecting underserved families with essential resources. She shared that the Project S.A.Y. Youth Development Program engaged more than 2,100 teens across the junior high and high schools, providing leadership and enrichment opportunities that support healthy development. Director Larson -Cash reported that the Library Division budget is $18 million and consists of 7 branch libraries, Heritage Services, Founders Park, Mobile Library Services, and Books on the Go. She noted that in FY 2024/25, libraries had over 5.4 million patron visits and circulated over one million items. She shared that over 146,000 participants attended specialized programs of all ages throughout the library system. She highlighted the Library's promotion of literacy and community engagement through its Summer Reading Program, enrolling over 4,000 participants. She added that Heritage Services welcomed attendees to the 2nd Annual Native Art Festival, a vibrant celebration of Indigenous art, food, literacy, and interactive activities for all. She highlighted AnaCon, Anaheim Library's celebration of sci-fi and comics, drew over 1,800 fans, and the O.C. Zine Fest's 10th anniversary with nearly 2,000 visitors. Director Larson -Cash reported that the $14.7 million Parks budget maintains the division's commitment to providing clean, safe parks, trails and recreational facilities. She shared that the City maintains 68 parks spanning over 475 acres, plus an additional 325 acres of natural parks and trails. She added that the 64 playgrounds promote physical activity, social development and healthy lifestyles for children and families. She shared that parks are valuable amenities that enhance the City Council Minutes of June 10, 2025 Page 7 of 31 quality of life in our community. She highlighted the City's dedication to protecting and growing the urban forest, by planting 171 new trees in parks and providing 600 shade trees to residents through the Tree Power Program. She shared that the City supported active use of parks by issuing 490 athletic field permits and 695 picnic shelter permits. She noted that 10 park improvement projects were completed with the replacement of old and damaged benches, sidewalks, lighting, and landscaping. Director Larson -Cash reported that the Recreation Services Division operated with an annual budget of $12.6 million, supporting a wide range of programs and activities that promote personal growth, health and community engagement. She noted that the services are accessible to residents of all ages and are delivered in parks, community centers and neighborhoods Citywide. She shared that Recreation Services offers a wide range of activities, including preschool and afterschool programs, special interest classes, day camps, aquatics, sports leagues, cultural arts programs, and special events. She noted that in partnership with Public Works, Pearson Park Amphitheatre received new lighting, sound system, and wooden pergolas in preparation for its 100th birthday in 2027. She added that over 125,000 attended community events such as Fall Festival, July 4th, Tree Lightings and outdoor concerts at Pearson Park Amphitheatre, Reagan Park and Maxwell Park. Director Larson -Cash shared that the City continues to invest in parks by adding new facilities and improving existing amenities. She reported that the City opened Center Greens and Little Pine Park and added new playgrounds at Paul Revere, Riverdale, and Canyon Rim Parks, giving families even more places to play and connect. She highlighted the opening of La Palma Park Promenade that transformed the corridor into a safe and beautiful route for active transportation and features a new beautiful art mural. Director Larson -Cash highlighted upcoming projects, including the development of a new skatepark at Boysen Park and the construction of River Park. She noted that the Haskett Library Makerspace is scheduled to open on August 9th and will serve as a creative hub designed to foster innovation and hands-on learning. She shared that progress continues on the Santa Ana River for the future OC River Walk and highlighted the $1.2 million in funding received from the Coastal Conservancy to support ongoing design efforts. She shared that improvements at La Palma Park continue, and construction of the City's third splash pad will begin at Brookhurst Park. She added that the City is collaborating with KABOOM! for the 18th time to build a new playground at Maxwell Park. She concluded that Community Services works every day to enrich lives, build connections, and create opportunities. Housina and Communitv Development Department Director of Housing and Community Development Grace Ruiz-Stepter reported that the Department seeks to enhance livability in the City by supporting local businesses through the work of our Workforce Development team, managing the City's homeless system of care, providing financial support to local non -profits and other City departments, and addressing the housing needs of those who live and work in Anaheim. She shared that the Department includes 83 full-time and 5 part-time employees. Director Ruiz-Stepter reported that the Department budget represents 8.5% of the City's total budget. She noted that the Department administers under $206 million with the majority of funds derived from federal and state entitlement and/or grant funds. She added that the Department received a $14 million allocation in General funds, equal to 7% of the Department's total available funding. She noted that the general funds in the budget are largely used to reimburse The Salvation Army for the provision of the 325-bed emergency shelter City Council Minutes of June 10, 2025 Page 8 of 31 Director Ruiz-Stepter reported that the majority of the funds administered by the Department are held by the Anaheim Housing Authority. She noted that the largest program is the Housing Choice Voucher, and more than 50% of the Department's proposed FY 2025/26 budget expenditures will be dispersed as rental assistance payments. She shared that there is a 12% downward trend in expenditures in the upcoming budget. She attributed the change to the termination of COVID-era funding and a reduction in planned land acquisitions for affordable housing developments. She noted that the increase in capital improvements is associated with development activities beginning at the Store One site. Director Ruiz-Stepter reported that labor costs are contained at 8% of total available funds. She shared that 92% of the budget is toward reimbursement of direct services to various non -profits, training programs, and other City departments and to area landlords in the form of rental assistance. She noted that the Department is supported by a small administrative section which includes the Director, an Administrative Analyst, and the Department's fiscal team. She added that costs in the area are largely unchanged except for legal and consulting costs associated with development activities. Director Ruiz-Stepter reported that the Workforce Development team includes 12 employees. She noted that labor costs have increased as a result of planned Citywide pay rate adjustments. She added that other operating costs include payments for career training programs, resources for wage paid under youth employment programs, and case management services necessary to carry out the State and/or federal goals of the team. She highlighted key performance goals by the Workforce Development Team including participating in 18 recruitment events, interfacing with over 200 Anaheim businesses to increase visibility and job opportunities, assisting 87 adult dislocated workers to connect to training and/or job placement, and supporting 312 youth with career training and/or job placement employment opportunities. Director Ruiz-Stepter shared that the Housing Authority administers the City's housing programs. She reported that there are 54 employees, with the largest group assigned to the administration of the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. She noted that staffing costs are budgeted at $93.3 million and $141 million is allocated to operations. She added that within the operating line item, expenses include rental assistance payments for Section 8 landlords and development activities. She noted that the change is largely due to timing of development activities. She shared that the adopted FY 2024/25 budget was amended to include an additional $4 million to support development activities, including the purchase of Rainbow Inn and the Kettle Motel. She noted that there are no planned acquisitions for FY 2025/26; however, she shared that staff will return to Council for a budget adjustment if an opportunity arises. Director Ruiz-Stepter highlighted key performance achievements, including working with development partners to secure $135 million in State and federal development funds to complement City assistance, providing loans to developers for an additional 167 affordable housing apartment units, providing rental assistance to over 6,700 families, and maintaining a high performer status for the Section 8 program as rated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Director Ruiz-Stepter reported that the Grants Management and Homeless Initiatives area is a nine - person team led by Deputy Director Sandra Lozeau. She shared that the team is tasked with monitoring diverse State and federal grants and overseeing the Anaheim Homeless System of Care, two areas that contribute significantly to enhancing livability standards in Anaheim. She noted that a change to the work group is in the labor category and directly related to the need for new personnel to manage new grants. She shared that three analyst -level positions have been added to assist with administrative and fiscal oversight of homeless services -related grants, primarily in support of the ACCESS (Anaheim Collaborative Court Evaluating Strategies and Solutions) program. She City Council Minutes of June 10, 2025 Page 9 of 31 highlighted their work effectively managing the Anaheim homeless system of care, which has grown to include programming for hard -to -serve homeless populations, including the 350 participants in the ACCESS program. She shared that they have supported the work of non-profit teams and secured $13 million in new funding. She added that the grants have supported over 69,000 individuals in Anaheim, including youth in recreational programs, social services for Seniors, families who made use of the bookmobile or who visited a remodeled park under the direction of Community Services. She shared that the combined efforts of the Department have led to outreach for 1,270 individuals experiencing homelessness in public spaces, prevention services to 179 individuals before experiencing a destabilizing housing event, assistance to 129 households through rapid rehousing, and the support of 585 people for emergency shelter. Director Ruiz-Stepter reported that Housing Authority short and long-term rental assistance programs continue to play an integral part in Anaheim's system of care. She noted that 86 households received short-term assistance, 104 households received assistance from the Section 8 Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program, and 236 homeless individuals and families were provided support to remain permanently housed under the Emergency Housing Voucher Program. Director Ruiz-Stepter highlighted the recently completed Miraflores development, which is fully leased to 87 low-income families, and the Azure apartments with 89 units which will reopen in October 2025 as permanent supportive housing. She shared that work has begun at the corner of Beach and Lincoln for a new 47-unit senior affordable housing development with construction anticipated to be complete by late 2026. She added that the Department expects to release a Request for Qualifications to identify a master developer for the 6-acre Karcher site and a Request for Proposals (RFP) for sites near Beach and Ball. She shared that in the upcoming year, the Department will be advancing the City Council's direction by implementing programs under the Local Housing Trust Fund. She explained that the programs include a new downpayment assistance program and continued support of the development of new affordable rental units through the provision of gap financing. Director Ruiz-Stepter reported that the Department is monitoring the status of federal programs. She shared that federal resources make up a significant portion of the Department's budget; however, current planning assumes no significant changes. She thanked the Council for their support and acknowledged the Housing and Community Development Department staff. Public Works Department Director of Public Works Rudy Emami reported that the Public Works team is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents throughout the City. He shared that Public Works is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents throughout the City. He noted that Public Works provides comprehensive services to meet the City's complex infrastructure needs, as well as serving as a resource to City Departments to ensure the City provides world -class service to the community. Director Emami reported that the Department's core services showcase the mission of planning, building, and preserving the Anaheim community for today and future generations. He noted that they plan improvements that will provide the necessary roadway, storm drain and sewer capacity, and promote alternative modes of mobility. He shared that the proposed budget includes 256 full-time staff and 52 part-time employees. Director Emami reported that the proposed budget is $298 million, or 12% of the total City budget and 7% of the General Fund. He shared that significant funding sources for the Department include restricted funds, enterprise funds for sanitation, and special revenue funds, including those related to Gas Tax and Measure M2 funding. He noted that Internal Services funds for fleet and facility maintenance make up 18%, and the General Fund makes up 12% of the total Department budget. City Council Minutes of June 10, 2025 Page 10 of 31 Director Emami reported that the Capital Improvements budget is increasing by 21 % due to the timing of multi -year capital projects. He noted that the bulk of the operating budget is spent on "Other Operating" expenses which include expenses for the solid waste and other contracts and intergovernmental services. He noted that labor makes up 24% and capital outlay and debt services make up the remaining 11 %. Director Emami reported that the Administration and Financial Services Division provides planning and management of the Department, budgeting, accounting, and administrative support services, including Engineering records and commuter services. He shared that the Engineering Services Division includes Design, Development Services, Construction Permits, and Traffic and Transportation. He shared that the Operating budget is decreasing by 23% due to the reallocation of insurance charges from Engineering to the Operations division. He added that the Capital Outlay budget is decreasing due to the completion of a capital project in the current year. Director Emami reported that Public Works Operations performs maintenance for residential streets and sidewalks, street trees, signs, and traffic systems. He added that Operations also provides sanitation services, street sweeping, and administers the Anaheim Resort Maintenance District. He noted that there was a 12% increase in labor costs due to contractually obligated salary and benefit increases and the addition of nine personnel. He added that one of the new positions will support the HALO (Homeless Assessment Liaison Officers) Program and funded by the General Fund. He noted that the remaining positions are funded through enterprise and restricted transportation funds. He added that the Operating budget is increasing by 6% due to the reallocation of insurance charges from Engineering to the Operations division. Director Emami reported that Fleet & Facility Services maintains and repairs automotive and other equipment, in addition to providing safe and structurally sound buildings and grounds. He noted that the City was recognized as number 26 in the nation by the 100 Best Fleets in the Americas program, which honors top -performing public and commercial fleet operations. He shared that increases are due to contractually obligated salary and benefit adjustments, along with the addition of one Vehicle Technician. He shared that in 2020, the City Council approved the transition from CARE Ambulance Services, Inc. to an in-house emergency transportation model. He shared that the program now operates 18 ambulances, creating the need for an additional vehicle technician to ensure reliable service. He added that the Capital Outlay budget is decreasing by 33% due to the vehicle replacement schedule. Director Emami reported that Construction Services inspects and surveys all capital improvement projects, inspects privately funded right-of-way improvements, and manages contracts for all capital projects to ensure contract compliance. He noted that Labor is increasing by 12% due to salary and burden increases and the addition of one Construction Contract Specialist, which will be revenue offset. Director Emami highlighted projects throughout the Public Works Department including Rebuild Beach for median landscaping, traffic system upgrades, sidewalk repairs, and signage enhancements. He noted that work will be phased to coordinate with utility projects, beginning with irrigation, planting, and lighting on medians before resurfacing. Director Emami reported that the Department currently maintains approximately 47,000 residential and arterial street trees Citywide. He shared that to enhance tree maintenance, the Department is planning to increase the trimming schedule for the City's palm trees from every two years to annually. He added that rather than seeking additional funding, staff are reviewing the existing budget to identify efficiencies and cost savings. He noted that staffs goal is to implement the improvement without impacting other essential City services. He shared that Public Works has published the Citywide tree pruning schedule on the City's website to provide greater transparency. He noted that City Council Minutes of June 10, 2025 Page 11 of 31 the information displays the current Citywide schedule, and a planned schedule for the next five years. Director Emami reported that to continue enhancing the appearance, safety, and overall quality of life in the City's public spaces and critical corridors, the City has established a new weekend cleanup program in conjunction with the HALO program. He shared that the collaborative approach has proven successful, resulting in the removal of 278 tons of debris. He noted that the Public Works team is designing and constructing improvements on Brookhurst Street from Ball Road to La Palma Avenue. He added that the primary focus is to enhance safety through raised landscaped medians to control vehicular movements and reduce conflict points. He reported that additional improvements include bike lane safety measures, concrete and parkway repairs, and pavement resurfacing. He shared that in an effort to reduce broadside and rear -end collisions, protected left -turn signal phasing will be implemented at four intersections, including Ball Road and Western Avenue, Broadway at Manchester Avenue, Orange Avenue and Dale Avenue, and Orange Avenue and Western Avenue. Director Emami shared that Public Works continues to focus on the community by addressing aging infrastructure throughout the City neighborhoods. He highlighted the Woodsboro Neighborhood in District 6, which was successfully completed using in-house staff. He reported that the Neighborhood Improvement Program utilizes long-term planning to prioritize and deliver improvements in the areas with the greatest needs to improve the existing right-of-way and improve infrastructure. He added that the Avenida and Peary Way Neighborhood projects in District 6 and the Beth -Jackson Neighborhood project in District 5 were completed. He shared that the Norma -Juno Neighborhood Project in District 2 will be completed in the upcoming year. He reported that the Lincoln Avenue widening between East and Evergreen will transform the street from four to six lanes to enhance traffic flow, accommodate current and future traffic volumes, and align with the City's General Plan. He added that the project will include raised landscaped medians to improve aesthetics and reduce cross -traffic risks. He shared that new sidewalk segments on Acacia Street, La Palma Avenue, Frontera Street, and Santa Ana Canyon Road will address critical sidewalk gaps while improving pedestrian safety. He concluded that Public Works plays a vital role in maintaining the infrastructure and services that the community relies on daily. Public Utilities Department Public Utilities General Manager Dukku Lee shared that the Department's core services include delivering high -quality water and electricity to customers. He noted that the proposed budget reflects investments in 6 strategic priorities that drive operations, maintenance activities, and reliability projects, while aligning with the City's strategic plan for supporting public safety, being fiscally responsible, and investing in infrastructure. General Manager Lee reported that the Department is proposing an increase of five (5) full-time positions, four (4) to support increasing development activity, where the Department needs additional engineering and inspection staff to meet aggressive schedules, with reimbursements for services provided. He added that one (1) position would be to support necessary water maintenance activities such as pipeline repairs, fire hydrant testing, and exercising water valves. General Manager Lee reported that the proposed budget is $758 million, or 31 % of the City budget. He noted that 0.3% of the General Fund is to provide street lighting to the community and the balance is to reimburse the Public Utilities call center to answer general 311 calls. General Manager Lee presented the proposed FY 2025/26 budget. He noted that the operating budget reflects cost increases to purchase wholesale power and water, and at a 2.4% variance, the operating budget remains relatively stable. He reported that the largest variance is reflected in the Department's capital program, where ongoing, multi -year projects are budgeted in the year they are City Council Minutes of June 10, 2025 Page 12 of 31 authorized, and unspent funds are carried over into the Amended Budget until projects are complete. He added that the proposed $133 million capital budget reflects significant new investments in utility infrastructure, reflecting a 13% increase from the prior year. He shared that the overall department budget is 4% higher than the previous year. General Manager Lee reported that the majority of the operating budget includes wholesale water and power supplies, as well as contracts and services that make up the 'other operating' category. He added that the debt service payments spread the cost of physical assets over their useful life and keep rates stable, and are within industry benchmarks for municipal utilities, so we are not overly reliant on debt. He noted that labor costs are 13%, and capital outlays in the operating budget are related to items such as vehicles, facility improvements, and technology subscriptions. General Manager Lee reported that there are 5 operating divisions in the Department. He shared that the Administration & Risk Services Division includes Customer Service groups. He noted that the reduction in the Customer Service budget is due to the completion of technology upgrades as well as a decrease in anticipated uncollected debt. He shared that over the past year, the Department has helped customers in need with payment plans, extensions, and provided $4.7 million in bill assistance from internal and external sources. He reported that mutual aid is essential for regional utilities during emergencies. He noted that Public Utilities responded to an emergency from Glendale Water and Power after 100 mph wind gusts caused widespread outages and wildfires in neighboring Los Angeles communities. He added that the Department performs regular inspections to ensure that systems are fully functional, and field employees conduct regular training exercises with other departments. General Manager Lee reported that Water Services invests in sustainable supplies with wholesalers, recognizing that droughts occur periodically in Southern California. He shared that in 2024, Public Utilities completed the first two (2) phases of groundwater treatment, restoring full access to our local aquifer, which is the City's lowest cost resource. He noted that reliability initiatives include maintenance, inspections, and upgrade of water facilities. He reported that the capital budget decrease reflects the completion of the groundwater treatment program at 14 well sites and previously awarded pipeline projects. He shared that new capital projects will focus on facility improvements and replacing aging water infrastructure. General Manager Lee reported that the Electric Services division, Public Utilities, continues to install or upgrade street lights based on requests from customers or other City departments. He shared that 700 street lights were installed, bringing the total number of street lights to 24,000 to illuminate neighborhoods and major cross streets. He noted that there are active maintenance programs to inspect Public Utilities' electric assets, and crews respond around the clock to safely restore service. He shared that capital projects require equipment for reliability improvements, to expand the grid, and support new developments. He noted that Public Utilities is collaborating with City Finance and industry partners to address ongoing supply chain challenges. He added that the proposed capital budget includes a new substation, infrastructure replacements, and new circuits to support development projects. General Manager Lee reported that the Finance and Energy Resources Division manages wholesale power purchases and uses financial tools to keep rates affordable. He explained that as a result, residential electric bills are 40% lower than nearby areas, and water bills are 30% below the Orange County average. He noted that Financial Management costs are increasing due to administrative and professional services to secure new contracts for renewable power, and to update the Department's comprehensive resource plan, which is submitted to the state for regulatory compliance. He shared that in the Technology area, the lower proposed budget is due to the prior year's award of a new asset management and work order system that is in development. He added that debt service costs City Council Minutes of June 10, 2025 Page 13 of 31 are reflective of scheduled payments, which helps to partially fund Public Utilities' aggressive capital program. He noted that the Department will reach a major milestone later in the year when it will no longer have coal in the power portfolio. General Manager Lee reported that General Services administers the Department's efficiency programs, helping residents and businesses reduce usage and save money on their bills, as well as back -office functions. He shared that in the Community & Sustainability area, the reduction reflects that professional services and exhibits for the Sustainability Education Center were previously awarded as we finish up construction and prepare for activation. He noted that the increase for Anaheim West Tower is due to a planned elevator modernization project. He added that community engagement is an important way to share program information and connect directly with customers at nearly 90 events. He shared that the Department has reached 4,400 students through partnerships with local educators. He noted that Public Utilities have focused programs for elementary, junior high, high school, and college -age students with the same goal to introduce them to rewarding utility careers by serving their community. General Manager Lee shared current year highlights that align with the Strategic Plan. He noted that Public Utilities has provided over 400 dusk -to -dawn lights to homes and businesses to address dark spots on their properties. He reported that feedback has been very positive, especially after safety walks with residents, Anaheim Police, and other city staff, which identify needed improvements. He added that Public Utilities is working closely with other departments to support the OCVIBE development. He shared that utility infrastructure is under construction for new venues, with costs reimbursed by the developer. He reported that for the groundwater treatment program, Public Utilities was awarded a $10 million State grant to help offset the capital costs. He noted that the first two phases are fully operational, and are now in design for the final phase. He shared that progress continues on major undergrounding projects, including Beach Blvd. and Nutwood/Cerritos, where civil construction is nearly complete and electrical installations are underway. He added that the telecommunications ordinance approved by the City Council is making a difference, with increased activity to remove remaining overhead lines on projects. General Manager Lee reported that Public Utilities is nearing the completion of the Sustainability Education Center, school districts are eager to bring students to learn about water and energy sustainability, and a dedication event is planned for the fall. He noted that as part of the City's wildfire mitigation efforts, Public Utilities is working with Anaheim Fire & Rescue to explore new technologies and review the City's water system for operational and physical improvements. He added that Public Utilities is beginning construction on undergrounding 7 segments in high fire threat zones. He shared that substations are the heart of the electric system, and Public Utilities is upgrading aging infrastructure and planning to expand the Vermont substation to meet growing demand. He reported that Public Utilities is proposing to replace a 50-year-old building that supports field crews and maintenance activities with a new facility. He added that other improvements at the yard include installing a block wall along the rail line to address vandalism and wire theft. He thanked the City Council for their support of the City's employees. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON WORKSHOP: Jeanine Robbins questioned how income is verified for short-term rentals. She shared that there are approximately thousands of short-term rentals despite only approximately 200 operating legally. She suggested investigating the short-term rentals and closing the ones illegally operating. Mike Robbins commented that the City has been under budget for a number of years. He suggested staff cuts, similar to other cities that are under budget. He shared that the City is short 200 firefighters for the City's size and noted potential fire problems that could occur. City Council Minutes of June 10, 2025 Page 14 of 31 Marc Herbert shared the lack of availability of the written budget. He mentioned that it was not available at previous workshops and expressed concern over the workshop's schedule compared to the budget adoption. He expressed concern over the cost of the OC River Walk project and staff time required to research and apply for grants for the project. He commented on funding used for the FY 2025/26 budget that would not be available in the next budget cycle. He questioned the ability to meet the required 9,100 affordable housing units. City Clerk Theresa Bass reported that no electronic public comments were submitted related to the Workshop. DISCUSSION: Council Member Leon inquired if there was a list of potential additional Community Services projects for the upcoming year. Director Larson -Cash confirmed there is a list of projects available. She noted that it is based on community input, staff's observations, age of equipment, and new demands for amenities of facilities. She noted it is separated by district and would only require funding to complete. Council Member Leon thanked staff for their work at Chaparral Park to address ongoing issues. He shared concerns over the bathrooms, playgrounds, and basketball courts at the park. He highlighted the Housing and Community Development Department and its innovative approach to help the community. He requested a timeline for the street median and rehabilitation improvements on Brookhurst. Director Emami reported that staff will submit paperwork before the end of the year or early next year to Caltrans for the grant to receive authorization to proceed with design work. He shared that the design process takes 12 to 18 months, with construction to begin after. Council Member Leon shared residents' interest in adding a traffic signal on Niobe Avenue. He requested confirmation on the addition of a left -turn signal at Magnolia and Broadway. He expressed appreciation for the Public Utilities Department and thanked the entire City staff for their work and dedication to the community. In response to Council Member Kurtz, Director Ruiz-Stepter explained that cuts associated with federal government cuts are being evaluated on an ongoing basis. She reported that based on current information, the programs in jeopardy are the Community Development Block grant, the HOME program, Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS and Emergency Solutions grants, and the Section 8 program. She shared that staff are hearing about potential funding reductions from 30 to 40% and policy updates, which could eliminate funding assistance to mixed families or enforce work requirements and time limits. Council Member Kurtz requested information on the non -profits that received grant funding. Director Ruiz-Stepter reported that 15% of the Community Development Block Grant is allocated towards non -profits. She shared that Creative Identities, Alzheimer's Orange County, YMCA, and Boys and Girls Club received grant funding. Director Larson -Cash added that Access California Services, Senior Meals on Wheels, the Dayle McIntosh Center, and the Legal Aid Society. Director Ruiz-Stepter included the Fair Housing Council which provides tenant assistance. In response to Council Member Kurtz, Director Emami shared that the schedule for tree trimming and pruning has been posted on the website for two years at the request of Council Member Rubalcava. He noted that the City's trees are tracked in GIS and include information on the tree type, when it was last trimmed, and upcoming maintenance. He shared that the public can search "Tree Trimming Schedule" on the City's website. City Council Minutes of June 10, 2025 Page 15 of 31 Council Member Kurtz inquired about the changes in the Public Utilities Customer Service budget. General Manager Lee clarified that Public Utilities was awarded a technology upgrade to the customer information system and would not require additional funding. He added that the Department is anticipating a lower amount on uncollected debt. In response to Council Member Kurtz, Director Larson -Cash shared that any increases to the Community Services budget are nominal. She attributed other increases to labor increases and maintained that the Department is operating at current service levels with no reductions. She reported that there are carryover funds for the Senior Mobility Program and the Mobile Family Resource Center. She added that the Department will also be addressing items with youth families and senior surveys and include new programming in the future budget. Mayor Pro Tern Meeks inquired if the City will be receiving or applying for State funding for mental health services and housing. Director Ruiz-Stepter reported that Proposition 1 funds are competitive. She noted that staff is working with The Salvation Army, who has reviewed different proposals for drug treatment beds. She noted that the latest round of Proposition 1 applications are due in October, and The Salvation Army has been working on a proposal for City Council's support. Mayor Pro Tem Meeks requested a memo on the status of the bathrooms at City parks, including necessary upgrades, budget information, and potential grant opportunities. Director Larson -Cash reported that there are a number of restrooms that require replacement. She noted that staff have been replacing restrooms annually over time, with a current replacement scheduled for the Rio Vista Park restrooms. She confirmed that staff can provide a memo with the information requested. In response to Council Member Maahs, Director Larson -Cash shared that the Department is prioritizing all of the recommendations from the Needs Assessment Survey. She reported that she can provide a memo with additional information. Council Member Maahs inquired about the timeline or process to evaluate a potential location for a senior center. Director Larson -Cash shared that staff have different plans for locations for a senior center. She noted that over the year, the Department has expanded senior service programs across the City. She explained that there is no current funding available to build a new facility; however, staff will take the time to plan, strategize, and be ready when a source becomes available. In response to Council Member Maahs, Director Emami reported that staff prioritizes projects based on urgency, equity, business, and safety. He explained that if there are safety issues, those matters are taken care of right away. He added that other issues may be addressed based on project -specific funding. He provided examples of the Safe Routes to Schools program and the plans for sewer systems, storm drains, and pavement management. He noted that if other Departments are completing projects in an area, they may partner with the Department or delay the proposed project. He added that community feedback is considered for projects and highlighted various community meetings staff attend. Council Member Maahs thanked the Public Works Department for being responsive to community concerns and expressed her appreciation for all of the City Departments and staff. City Council Minutes of June 10, 2025 Page 16 of 31 Council Member Balius thanked the City Manager and Finance Department for their work on the budget. He thanked the public and those who contacted him for providing their feedback. He highlighted the 7.7-mile pavement improvement throughout the City within a year. He inquired if funding from the Sanitation Program could be used to fund an additional HALO officer. Council Member Rubalcava thanked staff for all their work and for providing meaningful projects and services to the community despite a tight budget. She highlighted the importance of City staff and the purpose they serve in the community, despite recommendations to cut staffing. She suggested evaluating savings in other ways through grants and bonds. She expressed her appreciation for staff's work. Mayor Aitken echoed her Council colleagues' comments and thanked staff for their work. INVOCATION: City Clerk Theresa Bass Mayor Pro Tern Meeks asked that, in recognition of Flag Day, to take a moment to honor the flag as a symbol that represents freedom, justice, and promise for a better future. FLAG SALUTE: Mayor Pro Tern Natalie Meeks PRESENTATIONS: Recognizing Japanese American Korean War Veteran Norio Uyematsu for his work in promoting the stories of Korean War Veterans Mayor Aitken recognized Norio Uyematsu for his service to the country. She shared that he is a Japanese American and Korean War veteran. She noted that his service represents courage, sacrifice, and commitment to freedom. She added that beyond his service, he has worked to preserve the voices of Korean War veterans by educating younger generations and advocating for remembrance and awareness. On behalf of the City Council, she thanked Mr. Uyematsu for his service and dedication to education and remembrance. Norio Uyematsu accepted the recognition. He shared that 1.5 million American soldiers served in the Korean War, which began on June 25, 1950, and ended on July 27, 1953, making it the largest military deployment in United States history. He added that the war lasted three years and resulted in 34,000 American casualties, 247 of whom were Japanese Americans. He expressed his pride in being an Anaheim resident and his appreciation for the recognition. Recognizing WISEPIace on their grand opening of a new Permanent Supportive Housing Project in Orange County that serves unaccompanied women Mayor Aitken recognized WISEPIace for its recent community opening in the neighboring city of Santa Ana. She shared that the permanent supportive housing community will provide vital services to women experiencing homelessness and provide a path to stability. She noted that the new community includes extensive support services such as counseling, case management, job readiness, and healthcare access. She shared that projects like WISEPIace have a measurable impact on the community to ensure all women in Orange County have a safe place to call home. Kelsey Brewer, Vice President of Business Development at Jamboree Housing Corporation, on behalf of WISEPIace, accepted the recognition. She shared that it has been an honor to help bring WISEPlace's services to the Orange County community. She highlighted WISEPlace's impact on the community and the impact permanent supportive housing will have on women in Orange County. She expressed Jamboree Housing Corporation's gratitude to partner with WISEPIace and highlighted its experience throughout Orange County and the City of Anaheim. City Council Minutes of June 10, 2025 Page 17 of 31 Recognizing Anaheim Public Utilities High School Scholarship Recipients Mayor Aitken reported that Anaheim proudly supports the education of students through a wide range of programs designed to empower and inspire the next generation. She highlighted the Anaheim Public Utilities High School Scholarship Program which offers high school seniors the opportunity to pursue higher education in science, technology, engineering and math. She shared that since 2018, the program has helped students better understand Anaheim's water and energy systems while exploring existing career paths in public utilities. She noted that as part of the application process, students submit essays outlining their career goals and unique perspectives on sustainability. She reported that 22 students have received scholarships to help cover college expenses. She added that Anaheim Public Utilities also partners with the Housing and Community Development team to offer paid summer internships to the students, giving them valuable hands-on experience in a professional setting. She recognized Ximena Hernandez Ramos, who will be attending Cal Poly Pomona to pursue a biotechnology degree, Clarissa Rubio, who will be attending UCLA for computer science and engineering, and Ryan Wilson who will attend UCI to pursue a degree in civil engineering. Ximena Hernandez Ramos, Clarissa Rubio, and Ryan Wilson accepted the recognition. ACCEPTANCE OF OTHER RECOGNITIONS (To be presented at a later date): Recognizing June 6, 2025, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day Recognizing June 8 - 14, 2025, as National Flag Week Recognizing June 2025, as LGBTQ Pride Month At 6:07 p.m., Mayor Aitken called to order the Successor Agency to the Anaheim Redevelopment Agency, in joint session with the City Council. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDAS: None PUBLIC COMMENTS (all agenda items, except public hearing): Prior to receipt of public comments, City Clerk Theresa Bass provided an outline of procedures for public comments, notice of translation services, and a brief decorum statement. City Clerk Bass reported that a total of seven (7) public comments were received electronically prior to 1:00 p.m. [A final total of ten (10) public comments were received electronically, distributed to the City Council, and made part of the official records.] — See Appendix. R. Joshua Collins thanked Chrysalis for their work to help individuals obtain employment. He requested that Chrysalis visit Maxwell Park on Saturdays. He provided an update on a homeless woman who received housing after speaking with City Net. He questioned the amount of time it takes for individuals to receive assistance. He encouraged the City Council to make more beds available and a walk-in shelter. He inquired about what actions the City would take to protect individuals should a recession occur. He suggested day fines based on income and provided examples of policies used in other countries. He expressed concern over decreased general-purpose funding compared to the capital projects budget. Mark Loranger, President and CEO of Chrysalis, requested the City Council's support of Item No. 12. He shared that Chrysalis expanded to Orange County and selected Anaheim because of the community. He noted that Chrysalis has helped over 1,000 Anaheim residents seeking employment. He added that Chrysalis helped over 400 residents in 2025, with 121 already working. He expressed appreciation for the community's support. City Council Minutes of June 10, 2025 Page 18 of 31 Jorge Gavino encouraged the City Council to appoint Amanda Wortman to the Library Board. He highlighted her advocacy for residents. Paul Hyek suggested that the City of Anaheim help oversee the Bridges at Kraemer shelter as a walk-in and walk -out shelter. Mazatl T. Tepehyolotzin thanked the City Council for their help with projects around the City. He suggested constructing a monument in District 3 to recognize Mexican Americans. He spoke on current events taking place in Los Angeles. He thanked Council Member Leon, Senator Ramos, Assemblymember Avelino Valencia, and Congressman Lou Correa for recognizing indigenous people and their culture. He highlighted the mural at El Pollo Fino for its representation of the Mexica culture. Ruben Greg Soto recited a bible verse and spoke about false accusations against him. He requested housing assistance. Greg Eisenman, General Manager of the Tropicana and Camelot hotels, shared that the hotels' interest is to address the housing crisis, particularly for resort and hotel workers. He shared that two years prior, hoteliers, large and small, met to discuss how stakeholders in Anaheim could help the community and unanimously supported the creation of a Housing Trust. He shared that at the time Disney had supported the efforts and would contribute to the Housing Trust, but with no action two years later. He requested that the City Council support the hoteliers' efforts to move the initiative forward. Matthew Duncan commented on a social media post by Orange County Supervisor Janet Nguyen and coyotes mimicking dogs' barks. He explained that the information was false and expressed his concerns to Supervisor Nguyen. He shared that Project Coyote has disputed the information and shared that the best way to avoid conflicts with coyotes is to supervise dogs, keep them on leashes, and ensure food and trash are properly stored. Bryan Kaye echoed Mr. Duncan's comments and shared that awareness is important. He reminded the Council of elected officials' duties to put constituents' interests ahead of their own. He requested that the City Council stop referring to individuals as protestors, suggesting it escalates situations. Jeanine Robbins shared residents' fear of leaving their homes without any assistance from the City. She referenced recent trips taken by the Mayor despite Anaheim residents' living conditions and food insecurity. She questioned what the City is doing to protect residents in the current political climate. She inquired if residents are being notified when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is in the area. She requested that the City Council protect its residents and fight back against injustice. Mike Robbins reported that the immigrant community is facing fear, suspicion, and cruelty. He called upon the Council and public to take a stand against injustice. Marc Herbert provided the definition of a company town. He expressed concern over lack of public engagement, the Anaheim Tourism Improvement District's budget, and housing priorities. He questioned the City's priorities listed in the Strategic Plan, placing a new civic center over housing. He suggested that the City Council review the City of Santa Ana's housing policy. Kenneth Batiste shared the importance of government employees, in every role, upholding ethical standards. He criticized the prioritization of capitalism over humanity and called upon people to take a stand against injustice. City Council Minutes of June 10, 2025 Page 19 of 31 COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS: Council Member Kurtz shared a PowerPoint slide and highlighted a Safety for Seniors Informative Community meeting that she and Council Member Maahs will be hosting on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Anaheim United Methodist Church Library located at 1000 S. State College Boulevard. Representatives from the Police Department, Fire & Rescue, Public Utilities, and Code Enforcement will be there to speak about how seniors can protect themselves at home and in the community. Council Member Kurtz stated that it has been two years since the hotel community came to the City to address housing for workers in the hotel community. Now that the Anaheim Housing Trust has been established, within the next few days she will be inviting the 90 plus rate payers to a meeting to move forward with housing initiatives for hotel workers. Council Member Maahs highlighted and shared photographs of events she attended including the Orange County Conditions of Children's Forum on May 30. The forum focused on aspects of childcare including safety, economics, well-being, education, and health. Council Member Maahs encouraged everyone to visit the Orange County Social Services Agency to review a copy of the report. She thanked Orange County Supervisor Doug Chafee for organizing the forum and she stated it was staggering to hear the rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Council Member Maahs congratulated the graduating classes of 2025. She had the privilege to attend the promotions at James Guinn Elementary School, Benito Juarez Elementary School, and Katella High School. She recognized the parents and Parent Teacher Associations for all their work. Council Member Maahs shared that she and a few of her Council colleagues attended the Anaheim Family YMCA luncheon that was hosted by the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce at Angel Stadium. The YMCA RBI program is for children aged seven to ten years old. During the program they learn the fundamentals of baseball while building teamwork, sportsmanship, and confidence. The Angels Foundation provides uniforms, gloves, and expert coaching so that the program participants can have fun while in a supportive environment. Council Member Maahs thanked Public Utilities for hosting the OC Green Expo. She stated it is an opportunity to see and potentially drive electronic vehicles. There were eco- friendly organizations there to share resources and a lot of free prizes and giveaways. It was a family fun event, and she thanked the City departments that were there to provide resources. Council Member Maahs announced that she will not be at the next Council meeting due to a family commitment prior to being elected. She stated that she tried working with staff to be able to call into the next meeting but was unable to work that out. Council Member Maahs encouraged anyone to contact her with comments or questions. Council Member Balius announced that the first concert of this year's Concerts in the Park series is taking place Thursday, June 12 at Maxwell Park. He invited everyone to an exciting evening featuring a lively performance by a local Anaheim dance studio from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and then an energetic set by the band Pop Vision playing pop rock favorites from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. He shared that there will be a variety of food trucks, including Arenita Gourmet Kitchen, Baby's Burgers, Kona Ice, and Drizzle. Council Member Balius shared that the Haskett Branch Library will be hosting a craft booth, offering free books, sharing community resources, and providing fun lawn games for all ages. He encouraged the community to celebrate the start of summer at Maxwell Park on June 12'n Council Member Leon stated that earlier this year he was proud to lead his Council colleagues in unanimously reaffirming Anaheim's Welcoming City status. It was a commitment and a promise that every resident, no matter where they come from, deserves dignity, safety, and respect. He emphasized the importance of knowledge and awareness of rights for immigrants, especially during uncertain times. Council Member Leon stated that under California state law, police officers, firefighters, and paramedics are there for safety, not immigration enforcement. He encouraged members of the City Council Minutes of June 10, 2025 Page 20 of 31 community to call for help with confidence. He encouraged the community to stay informed, not just through social media, but through trusted groups like the ACLU of Southern California, CHIRLA, and the Immigrant Legal Resource Center. He shared that they have resources in multiple languages to help inform community members of their rights. Council Member Leon asked community members to please speak out peacefully, powerfully, and with purpose if they choose to. He stated that no one should be stressed or afraid when they drop their kids off at school or answer their front door. Council Member Leon stated that this is not just about policy, it is about people, neighbors looking out for each other, and it is about a city that refuses to turn its back on the very people who keep it going. He stated that the community's strength is in unity, and a commitment to justice and peace. Council Member Leon repeated his comments in Spanish. Council Member Rubalcava highlighted and shared photographs of events she attended. She stated she serves on the North Net Task Force and her alternate is Council Member Maahs. She shared a mural that was recently commissioned at the North Net building to highlight the work that is being done through North Net and the risk that firefighters take. She recognized all the volunteers who help mitigate fire issues in District 6 and throughout the City and noted that many of the volunteers are District 3 residents. Council Member Rubalcava referenced the City's Transient Occupancy Tax revenue and noted that conventions generate revenue for the City's General Fund because people attending a convention typically stay in Anaheim hotels and pay a 15% occupancy tax. She stated the Democratic Party hosted their 2025 State Convention in Anaheim and it was peaceful. Assemblymember and former Council Member Avelino Valencia, Assemblymember Cottie Petrie - Norris, Representative Derek Tran, and Labor Activist Dolores Huerta were in attendance. Council Member Rubalcava thanked Public Works Director Rudy Emami for reallocating funds to trim palm trees in District 3, addressing a long-standing community issue. She noted that it made District 3 residents, including herself extremely happy. Council Member Rubalcava shared that the Boys and Girls Club has been acquired by a collaborative club but is still focused on youth in Anaheim. They are doing really good work and working closely together to integrate into Anaheim elementary schools. She along with Lieutenant Pena and Police Association President Jose Duran attended the Ready Annual Summit to show support because there are a lot of youth in Anaheim who need resources, whether it is gang prevention and intervention orjust opportunities to get more engaged at the college bound level. Council Member Rubalcava attended the National Hispanic Medical Association Conference as a guest speaker. She stated it was a good opportunity to speak to medical practitioners who are interested in policy and how it impacts the Latino community. They were able to speak about health and how Hispanics can access it and ensuring that youth who are entering the education system know that there are opportunities within the medical industry. Council Member Rubalcava attended the 30th Annual Anaheim Flag Day Parade and Celebration and stated that Flag Day is a really important time to celebrate the country and flag. She noted that volunteers host the event in the Colony District. Council Member Rubalcava mentioned that the Mayor and all Council Members were at the event, but did not discuss any Council business and there were no Brown Act violations. She stated it was a good opportunity to visit with residents and celebrate the country. Council Member Rubalcava highlighted some of the immigration challenges the community is currently facing. She stated that California is the center for immigration enforcement and there is a month -long emphasis in different states. Council Member Rubalcava shared that she is working with a coalition of policy makers including Congressman Lou Correa, labor leaders, law enforcement, and her Council colleagues to discuss a collaborative approach to keep the community safe. She stated they are encouraging residents, especially the youth in the community, to keep any demonstrations peaceful because nothing will be accomplished if businesses are being destroyed. She encouraged everyone to express their voices in a positive way that creates sustainable change. Council Member Rubalcava shared that what is happening in Los Angeles impacts the Anaheim workforce because there is a significant amount of immigrant workers who work in hotels and other areas in the City, and they need to know their rights. Council Member Rubalcava shared that the coalition is looking into City Council Minutes of June 10, 2025 Page 21 of 31 legal defense funds to help ensure immigrant workers' rights are protected and providing a sustainable pathway to citizenship so that families are not separated. Council Member Rubalcava stated that Anaheim was segregated in the 1900s and in 1994 with Proposition 187 and the City will get through this as well, but it must be done peacefully to protect the City's workforce and community. Council Member Rubalcava requested to adjourn the meeting in memory of Officer Samuel Riveros, who unfortunately passed away last week. He was a Baldwin Park police officer who was killed in the line of duty. She noted that several Anaheim police officers worked with him at Baldwin Park and were friends with him. Council Member Rubalcava stated that when somebody in law enforcement loses their life, it impacts everyone. Mayor Aitken highlighted and shared photographs of events she attended including the Mayors and CEOs for U.S. Housing Investment meeting in Washington, D.C. to advocate for federal funding for affordable housing for working families, seniors, and others. She expressed concern about the potential loss of housing funds and encouraged the public to support housing initiatives. She stated that Anaheim has done so much to get individuals off the street and now families are in danger of losing their housing vouchers. Mayor Aitken encouraged everyone who is concerned about housing in Anaheim, to reach out to federal leaders to share support for all housing initiatives that make a difference in Anaheim. She thanked Senator Adam Schiff, Senator Alex Padilla, Congressman Lou Correa, Congressman Ted Lieu, and Congressman Pete Aguilar for budget and housing initiatives, and for meeting with mayors to discuss streamlined processes for housing. Mayor Aitken thanked the team who organized the Flag Day Parade and Celebration as well as everyone who attended the event in District 3 including the veteran community and volunteers. It was a fun family event recognizing the history of the American flag. Mayor Aitken thanked the Disneyland Resort for the invitation to the State of the Resort to learn about exciting projects and their economic impact, not just throughout Anaheim, but throughout the entire region. She stated it was an informative and wonderful evening. Mayor Aitken stated that she is deeply concerned about the recent immigration actions that are going on in the Southern California area. While Anaheim has not seen any significant actions taking place, surrounding cities are seeing a dramatic uptick. She reassured the community that Anaheim remains a Welcoming City that values the contributions of the immigrant community. Mayor Aitken stated that to be an immigrant does not make someone a criminal or an enemy of the State, and it is imperative that all residents in Anaheim know that City staff, the Police Department, Anaheim Fire & Rescue, as well as our City facilities stand ready to provide services regardless of immigration status and if assistance is needed, individuals should not fear reaching out as immigration status will not be asked. Mayor Aitken emphasized the importance of treating each other with kindness and supporting neighbors who may be living in fear. Whether it is going grocery shopping for a neighbor, checking in on neighbors, or dropping off kids at camp or school. She asked the community to stick together in uncertain times and to look out for one another. CITY MANAGER'S UPDATE: City Manager Vanderpool shared that Friday marks the exciting launch of the Summer Nights Under the Stars Series at Pearson Park Amphitheatre for family entertainment every Friday night through July 25th. Friday night kicks off with an astonishing performance by Magician Ian. Visitors can expect a memorable evening with a free face painter for kids and Dragon Dogs food truck onsite to complement concession stand. It is the perfect opportunity to gather with friends and family for an unforgettable and affordable night of fun, as each week promises a unique showcase of talent and culture. At 7:11 p.m., Mayor Aitken recessed the City Council to address the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency agenda and reconvened at 7:21 p.m. City Council Minutes of June 10, 2025 Page 22 of 31 CONSENT CALENDAR: The Consent Calendar was considered with Council Member Kurtz pulling Item No. 12 for separate consideration. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tern Meeks moved to waive reading of the ordinance and resolutions and adopt the balance of the consent calendar as presented, in accordance with reports, certifications, and recommendations furnished each City Council Member, seconded by Council Member Leon. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Meeks, Balius, Leon, Rubalcava, Kurtz, and Maahs); NOES — 0. Motion carried. [Item No. 16: Council Member Balius recorded an abstention for Item No. 16. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tern Meeks moved to approve the Consent Calendar, seconded by Council Member Leon. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 6 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Meeks, Leon, Rubalcava, Kurtz, and Maahs); NOES — 0; ABSTAIN - 1 (Council Member Balius). Motion carried.] B105 3. Receive and file minutes of the Public Utilities Board meeting of March 26, 2025. D116 4. Approve recognitions recognizing Canyon High School Track and Field athlete's Jayden Legaspi and Madison Gallacher for qualifying for the Division 1 CIF State Championships; El Rancho Charter School's Sydney Tran who competed in the 100th Scripps National Spelling Bee; and Richard Stein's appointment to the California Arts Council. 5. Award a Contract Work Order to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, Mike Prlich AGR-14858.0.1 and Sons, Inc, in the amount of $1,145,350, for the Catalpa Avenue Sanitary Sewer Line Replacement Project; authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the work order via the existing Sewer and Storm Drain Maintenance, Construction and Immediate Response Service Master Agreement and related documents and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the work order; determine that the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Class 2, Section 15302 (c) (Replacement or Reconstruction) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations; and authorize the Finance Director to execute the Escrow Agreement pertaining to contract retentions. AGR-15394 6. Award a construction contract to the lowest responsive bidder, Henkels & McCoy West, LLC, in the amount of $3,613,824 plus a 10% contingency, for the Harbor Substation Line Extension Project Phase 1; authorize the Director of Public Works, or designees, to execute the contract and related documents, including any cost -neutral amendments of the contract and any documents contemplated by the contract, and to take such actions as are necessary, required, or advisable to implement and administer the contract; determine that the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Sections 15301(b), 15302(c), and 15303 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations; and authorize the Finance Director to execute the Escrow Agreement pertaining to contract retentions in accordance with Public Contract Code Section 22300. AGR-15395 7. Approve the Delegated Maintenance Agreement with the State of California Department of Transportation (State) which identifies specific mission -critical maintenance services to be performed on and around the State right of way within the City's jurisdictional limits; authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the agreement and related documents, including any amendments, and to take any and all actions as are necessary to implement and administer the agreement; and determine that the projects to be performed under the agreement shall be categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act, Section 15308 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations. City Council Minutes of June 10, 2025 Page 23 of 31 AGR-15396 8. Waive Council Policy 4.1 and approve a Master Services Agreement with RailPros Field Services, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $500,000, which will allow for an estimated five years of services, for railroad safety training and flagging services; and authorize the Public Utilities General Manager, or designees, to execute the agreement and related documents, including any cost -neutral amendments of the agreement and any documents contemplated by the agreement, and to take the necessary or advisable actions to implement, fund, and administer the agreement. AGR-15397 9. Approve an agreement with Allison A. Martin, dba Blueblossom Consulting, in an annual amount not to exceed $90,000 plus a 10% contingency for as -needed extra services, for educational consulting services for the Sustainability Education Center for a three year term with two one-year optional extensions; and authorize the Public Utilities General Manager, or designees, to execute the agreement and related documents, including any cost -neutral amendments of the agreement and any documents contemplated by the agreement, and to take the necessary or advisable actions to implement, fund, and administer the agreement. 10. Approve the First Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with Kosmont Real Estate AGR-14779.1 Services dba Kosmont Realty to increase the not to exceed contract amount from $200,000 to $400,000 for on -call broker services to support current and future economic development activities; and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute and administer the amendment. AGR-15398 11. Approve a License Agreement with Higher Ground Youth and Family Services Inc. to use a portion of Lincoln Park, located at 1535 E. Broadway, to provide services to children and families for a seven year term, and authorize the Director of Community Services, or designee, to execute and administer the agreement. D175 13. RESOLUTION NO. _ 2025-043 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM concerning the status and update of the Circulation Element, Mitigation Fee Program for the Measure M (M2) Program. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-044 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM concerning the status and update of the Pavement Management Plan for the Measure M2 (M2) program. Adopt a Seven -Year Capital Improvement Program and authorize staff to submit it to the Orange County Transportation Authority. 14. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-045 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE Pilo CITY OF ANAHEIM vacating a portion of public utility easement located at 1024 West Romneya Drive pursuant to California Streets and Highways Code Section 8330, et seq. — Summary Vacation (ABA2025-00436). M142 15. ORDINANCE NO. 6612 (INTRODUCTION) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM amending various sections of Chapter 16.40 of Title 16 of the Anaheim Municipal Code relating to the designation of Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. City Council Minutes of June 10, 2025 Page 24 of 31 Determine that the proposed amendments are not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2), 15060(c)(3), 15378, and 15061(b)(3) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations. D114 16. Approve minutes of the City Council meetings of November 13, 2024 and November 19, 2024. Item No. 16: Council Member Balius recorded an abstention for Item No. 16. MOTION. Mayor Pro Tem Meeks moved to approve the Consent Calendar, seconded by Council Member Leon. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 6 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Meeks, Leon, Rubalcava, Kurtz, and Maahs); NOES - 0; ABSTAIN — 1 (Council Member Balius). Motion carried. BUSINESS CALENDAR: AGR-15399 12. Approve a Lease Agreement, in substantial form, with The Chrysalis Center dba Chrysalis to AGR-15400 provide office and program space at 290 South Anaheim Boulevard at no cost, in exchange for providing workforce development services and a commercial corridor cleaning pilot program, for a two year term commencing July 1, 2025 through July 1, 2027, with an option to extend the lease for up to one additional one year term; authorize de minimis changes that do not substantially change the terms and conditions of the agreement, as determined by the City Attorney's Office; and authorize the Economic Development Director to execute and implement the terms of the agreement. Approve an Operating Agreement, in substantial form, with The Chrysalis Center dba Chrysalis for purposes of implementing the commercial corridor cleaning pilot program, for a two year term commencing July 1, 2025 through July 1, 2027, with an option to extend for up to one additional one year term; authorize de minimis changes that do not substantially change the terms and conditions of the agreement, as determined by the City Attorney's Office; and authorize the Economic Development Director to execute and implement the terms of the agreement. Director of Economic Development Sergio Ramirez reported that the City approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Chrysalis in 2018, for the use of 290 S. Anaheim Boulevard for the operation of the Chrysalis employment program. He shared that Chrysalis has delivered job readiness programs and transitional employment opportunities. He noted that in lieu of rental costs, Chrysalis made significant building improvements to the ground floor of the building. Director Ramirez reported that in 2022, the City Council approved an extension to the MOU to a term expiring June 20, 2025. He explained that Chrysalis requested to enter into a lease agreement to formalize the occupancy of the space for two years with an optional one-year renewal. He shared that in lieu of rental costs, Chrysalis agreed to continue to provide job readiness and employment services to Anaheim residents. He noted that Chrysalis served approximately 500 Anaheim residents and over 1,300 individuals. He added that they will provide staffing and services for a new pilot program for the continued beautification of the City's commercial corridors. He reported that the program, named Anaheim Clean Team, would provide street cleaning services, in addition to work provided by Public Works staff, to enhance commercial corridors. He shared that the program would be coordinated through Public Works, with services provided for an eight -hour period every two weeks. He added that the work would be completed by three workers and a supervisor with several corridors targeted each day. He noted that the service would not include the cleanup of homeless encampments but would be focused on sidewalks and street cleaning outside the Resort. He shared that City jobs would not be affected by the pilot program. City Council Minutes of June 10, 2025 Page 25 of 31 Director Ramirez reported that Chrysalis is aware of the condition of the building and that the site was identified as a future development site. He explained that a 90-day termination provision was included in the lease if the City is required to develop the property. DISCUSSION: In response to Council Member Kurtz, Director Ramirez confirmed that Chrysalis served 500 Anaheim residents in 2024. He explained that Chrysalis provides an array of services, in addition to temporary job services. Mark Loranger, President and CEO of Chrysalis, reported that since opening in 2018, Chrysalis has served 1,400 individuals, with 466 finding employment. In response to Council Member Kurtz, Mr. Loranger shared that Chrysalis offers trauma -informed case management services, including whole -person care. He explained that the first objective is to assess each individual and then build a plan to help navigate barriers to employment. He shared that case managers spend a quarter of the time discussing employment and the remainder discussing barriers to employment. Council Member Kurtz requested clarification that the Clean Team service would not take away from the work completed by Public Works employees. Director of Public Works Rudy Emami confirmed that the Clean Team would provide additional support and enhance the work of the Public Works Department. He assured that the Clean Team would not impact other Public Works positions. Council Member Rubalcava expressed her support for the item. She shared that she served on Chrysalis' advisory council when they first expanded into Orange County from Los Angeles. She noted that Chrysalis works with different employers and highlighted their services. She inquired if there would be impacts to Chrysalis' programming with the State cutting funding for Caltrans. Mr. Loranger reported that Chrysalis offers temporary, transitional jobs to clients. He noted that Caltrans is a customer, and they are currently negotiating a contract renewal. He shared that the Governor's Office mentioned that the services are a priority. Council Member Rubalcava requested that Chrysalis participate in community events in Orange County. She expressed her support for the continued relationship. She requested weekly power washing on the Broadway commercial corridor. Director Ramirez clarified that the maintenance would take place every two weeks. He confirmed that staff would work with the Council to identify areas that need attention. He added that Economic Development would work with Code Enforcement to ensure that the property owner of the apartment complex is contributing to the effort. In response to Council Member Leon, Director Ramirez clarified that all Successor Agency properties were assigned for future development or government use. He explained that the subject property was identified for a future development opportunity due to previous interest for hotel developments or mixed -use development properties. He noted that the City can transfer the property for government use; however, if the property is sold, the City would not retain all the proceeds. He reported that the proceeds would transfer to the affected taxing entities that were assigned to redevelopment areas when they were established, including the State's Department of Finance and the County of Orange. Council Member Leon clarified that the City would be required to follow the State's direction if it determined that the property needed to be developed. City Council Minutes of June 10, 2025 Page 26 of 31 Director Ramirez added that the City has a fiduciary duty to sell or use redevelopment properties. He noted that the longest project for the City is 39 Commons. He explained that if a property can be sold and a Disposition and Development Agreement could be established, a new project would need to be developed. Council Member Leon expressed his support for the item. MOTION: Council Member Kurtz moved to approve a Lease Agreement, in substantial form, with The Chrysalis Center dba Chrysalis to provide office and program space at 290 South Anaheim Boulevard at no cost, in exchange for providing workforce development services and a commercial corridor cleaning pilot program, for a two year term commencing July 1, 2025 through July 1, 2027, with an option to extend the lease for up to one additional one year term; authorize de minimis changes that do not substantially change the terms and conditions of the agreement, as determined by the City Attorney's Office; and authorize the Economic Development Director to execute and implement the terms of the agreement and approve an Operating Agreement, in substantial form, with The Chrysalis Center dba Chrysalis for purposes of implementing the commercial corridor cleaning pilot program, for a two year term commencing July 1, 2025 through July 1, 2027, with an option to extend for up to one additional one year term; authorize de minimis changes that do not substantially change the terms and conditions of the agreement, as determined by the City Attorney's Office; and authorize the Economic Development Director to execute and implement the terms of the agreement, seconded by Council Member Leon. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Meeks, Balius, Leon, Rubalcava, Kurtz, and Maahs); NOES — 0. Motion carried. R100 17. RESOLUTION NO. 2025046 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM declaring Anaheim an Early Childhood Friendly City and supporting to foster an environment where every child can thrive and reach their full potential. Senior Administrative Analyst Alyssa Guerrero reported that at the May 13, 2025 Council meeting, Council Member Maahs requested an item to declare the City of Anaheim an Early Childhood Friendly City. She shared that earlier in the year, First 5 Orange County launched the Early Childhood Friendly City Initiative, an effort designed to help cities create neighborhoods and communities where young children and their families can thrive. She noted that the initiative provides cities with data, early childhood expertise, and partnerships needed to prioritize early childhood development in education, health, housing, and community services. She highlighted the City's programs and resources aimed at fostering early childhood development, including the Tiny Tots Academy, a recreational program for children aged 3-5 that focuses on foundational skills, socialization, and kindergarten readiness and a diverse range of courses for youth and families throughout the year, including sports, music, and educational programs. She shared that the Anaheim Public Library also actively supports early literacy, offering families emergent resources to cultivate a strong reading foundation through positive engagement in its programs. She noted that the Library offers story times for children aged 0-5, sensory story times for neurodivergent children, and bilingual story times in Spanish, Vietnamese, and Arabic, all designed to develop essential pre -reading skills. She concluded that the proposed Resolution formally declares the City of Anaheim an Early Childhood Friendly City and affirms its commitment to continue providing resources and programs that promote the healthy development and well-being of children. DISCUSSION: Council Member Maahs acknowledged the Human Services division in the Community Services Department and their collaboration with 90 non -profits and organizations. She highlighted the importance of early childhood development to the well-being and future success of children in the community. She shared that a community partnership involving schools, stakeholders, and the City B105 City Council Minutes of June 10, 2025 Page 27 of 31 would leverage and align resources to create new spaces and opportunities for organizations and individuals to allow every child in Anaheim to reach their full potential. Council Member Leon thanked Council Member Maahs for bringing the item forward. He shared that as a product of the City's programs, he supports continuing to provide resources and programs to the community. MOTION: Council Member Maahs moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. 2025-046 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM declaring Anaheim an Early Childhood Friendly City and supporting to foster an environment where every child can thrive and reach their full potential, seconded by Council Member Leon. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Meeks, Balius, Leon, Rubalcava, Kurtz, and Maahs); NOES — 0. Motion carried. 18. Consider (re)appointments to fill scheduled vacancies on the Library Board, for terms expiring June 30, 2025, to a four year term ending June 30, 2029. Library Board: [RE] APPOINTMENT: Amanda Wortman (term ending June 30, 2029) (Incumbent, Michelle K. Dang) Council Member Kurtz nominated Amanda Wortman. She highlighted Ms. Wortman's work experience with an education non-profit and her advocacy for Anaheim's public libraries. She shared that her organization received grants focused on helping library staff develop and evaluate teen programs. NOMINATION: Council Member Kurtz nominated Amanda Wortman. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Meeks, Balius, Leon, Rubalcava, Kurtz, and Maahs); NOES — 0. Nomination approved. [RE] APPOINTMENT: 2029) (Incumbent, Jackie Filbeck) Jackie Filbeck (term ending June 30, Council Member Rubalcava nominated incumbent Jackie Filbeck. She highlighted her support for youth in the City and her service on the Library Board. NOMINATION: Council Member Rubalcava nominated Jackie Filbeck. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Meeks, Balius, Leon, Rubalcava, Kurtz, and Maahs); NOES — 0. Nomination approved. City Council Minutes of June 10, 2025 Page 28 of 31. B105 19. Consider District 1 appointment to the Cultural and Heritage Commission to serve a term ending December 31, 2028. Cultural and Heritage Commission: DISTRICT 1 APPOINTMENT: ,_.._Saul Contreras (term ending December 31, 2028) NOMINATION: Council Member Balius nominated Saul Contreras. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Meeks, Balius, Leon, Rubalcava, Kurtz, and Maahs); NOES — 0. Nomination approved. PUBLIC HEARING: D154 20. Public Hearing on the status of City vacancies, recruitment, and retention efforts, pursuant to Assembly Bill 2561 (Government Code Section 3502.3). Receive and file the report on the status of City vacancies, recruitment, and retention efforts, pursuant to Assembly Bill 2561 (Government Code Section 3502.3). Director of Human Resources Linda Andal reported that effective July 1, Assembly Bill 2561 amended the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act, mandating public agencies to present data on vacancies and recruitment and retention efforts. She shared that the State legislature determined that high vacancy rates could adversely affect public service and increase employees' workloads. She explained that the goal of the bill was to address vacancy rates which could lead to burnout and increased turnover and exacerbate staffing challenges. She added that it aims to promote transparency and encourage proactive strategies to maintain adequate staffing levels to mitigate those challenges. Director Andal reported that public agencies are required to present the status of vacancies and efforts in recruitment and retention at a public hearing prior to the adoption of the annual budget. She shared that if vacancies with a bargaining unit exceed 20%, the City shall provide additional detailed information upon the request of each bargaining unit. She noted that on May 22"d, each bargaining unit were notified of the hearing and their respective vacancy rates and their right to present at the public hearing. She shared that the Anaheim Municipal Employees Association (AMEA) would be presenting following staffs presentation. Director Andal presented the City's bargaining units and respective vacancy rates for the calendar year 2024. She noted that vacancies fluctuate throughout the year with the percentage increasing near the end of the year due to retirements. She shared that the City's vacancy rate within a single bargaining unit does not exceed the 20% threshold of authorized full-time positions. She added that despite not exceeding the threshold, the City recognizes the recruitment and retention challenges within the various bargaining units and is committed to finding solutions to address the challenges. Director Andal reported that in 2024, Human Resources conducted over 930 recruitments, resulting in 235 full-time promotions and 116 external full-time hires. She noted that promotions continue to be a key workforce strategy that supports Strategic Plan Goal D — Fostering a high -performing organization, Strategy One to build a pipeline of new talent and support professional growth, and Strategy Two to demonstrate a commitment to employees' careers. She shared that promotional opportunities maintain institutional knowledge and sustained productivity, higher employee morale, increased retention, quicker onboarding of employees, and lower recruitment costs. She added that the average time to hire from posting to placement is 60 to 90 days, including public safety. She City Council Minutes of June 10, 2025 Page 29 of 31 highlighted recruitment strategies used, including an automated onboarding process, use of social media platforms, detailed job postings with salary increases and benefits highlighted. She added that the City partners and collaborates with departments to fill unique positions when targeted recruitment is necessary. She highlighted outreach at career fairs and job expos to diversify candidate pools. Director Andal shared that the City and other neighboring cities are facing labor market competition in a tight job market and evolving workforce expectations. She explained that there is a shift to focus on skills compared to traditional educational backgrounds. She reported that due to the Class and Compensation study, the City's classification specifications are under review and revisions must be approved by the respective labor groups. She noted that key initiatives to enhance recruitment efforts include internships and apprenticeships. She added that staff plans to work with schools and organizations to cultivate early career paths and create long-term employment pathways. She shared that other strategies include targeted outreach to enhance recruitment efforts in underrepresented communities and ensure diverse candidate pools, investment in an applicant tracking system, and employer branding and showcasing the Anaheim Way. Director Andal reported that during the 2024 calendar year, the City's overall retention rate was 93% reflecting the City's commitment to creating a supportive and engaging work environment. She shared that retention is a multi -faceted approach that includes compensation, employee engagement, employee morale, healthy work environments, and leadership. She highlighted on -site workshops, biometric screening, vision exam pop -ups, and the annual health fair to enhance employee well-being and lunch and paint days to support employee mental health. Director Andal reported that the Class and Compensation study is being finalized to ensure job classifications and salary structures are at market and competitive with other cities. She noted coach and mentorship opportunities to identify and nurture future leaders. She highlighted employee recognition and engagement events, including service awards, the annual Employee Appreciation Picnic, and decorating contests. She shared that Human Resources was recognized at the 14tn Annual Giles -O'Malley leadership luncheon for its excellence in leadership development. She noted that Anaheim was the first city to receive the distinction in the past 14 years. She added that the Department is dedicated to continuing initiatives that address staffing needs and retention, including expanding professional development programs, refining and developing new pipelines, implementing formal check -ins with new hires, and exploring cross -departmental initiatives. She concluded with an employee testimony from Annie with Public Works, Jeffrey Martinez with Code Enforcement, and Ross Johnson with the Convention Center, who highlighted their experience working in Anaheim. Labor Representative Presentation: Jonnae Barreras, President of the Anaheim Municipal Employees Association (AMEA), representing the General and Clerical bargaining units, shared that despite the vacancy rate not reaching 20%, there are consequences to City vacancies, particularly in public safety communications. She explained that out of 32 positions, 10 are vacant, resulting in a 26.3% vacancy rate. She explained that for six months, AMEA has raised concerns about the urgency of retaining employees who are leaving for cities with lower call volumes and significantly higher pay. She reported that Fire Dispatch has four vacancies with the Police Department moving in the same direction. She explained that they do not receive incentives, reclassifications, or additional staffing support. She recognized the City's efforts to support recruitment; however, the efforts require long-term solutions. She noted that the positions are critical to the public safety of the community. She added that AMEA supports the development and investment in the workforce and strategic goals; however, appreciation events do not fill vacancies or retain employees. She shared that the Classification and Compensation could help with the issue; however, it is taking a considerable amount of time to complete. She added that the City will continue to lose employees before adjustments take effect. City Council Minutes of June 10, 2025 Page 30 of 31 In response to Mayor Aitken, Ms. Barreras confirmed that dispatchers are part of the Clerical bargaining unit. DISCUSSION: Council Member Rubalcava shared that, despite AB 2561 targeting bargaining units, job classifications are more relevant for vacancy rates. She expressed concern about the dispatcher vacancy rate and residents' experience with dispatch due to a lack of resources or staffing. She called to identify a solution and evaluate the Police Department's budget for potential funding. She advocated for additional funding to support the Police Department. Council Member Kurtz shared her experiences with calling dispatch and officers responding to dispatch calls due to a lack of staffing. She explained that an officer answering dispatch calls takes away from their role patrolling the streets. At 8:02 p.m., Mayor Aitken opened the public hearing. Marc Herbert highlighted the detailed presentation and expressed his support. He questioned whether staff are limited by the direction of the City Council. He mentioned vacancies in other departments and a lack of personnel to fulfill duties. He noted that employee retention includes not overworking employees and expressing appreciation for them. He explained that the Council has not explored options for additional funding for housing and hiring additional employees. He questioned the lack of public engagement and the Housing and Community Development Commission's missed meetings. City Clerk Theresa Bass reported that no electronic public comments were received related to Public Hearing Item No. 20. At 8:07 p.m., Mayor Aitken closed the public hearing. Council Member Leon echoed his Council colleagues' comments. He thanked staff for the presentation and AMEA for addressing the Council with their concerns. He supported bringing an item forward to address the concerns related to dispatchers. Council Member Rubalcava expressed her appreciation for the presentation. She inquired about writing to the State regarding the purpose of the bill. She thanked staff for their investment in employees and highlighted the employee appreciation events. She emphasized reviewing specific areas to address certain positions, especially when bargaining units have been advocating for months. She requested to find solutions to fund the dispatcher positions despite the limited budget. Mayor Pro Tern Meeks thanked staff for their work. She shared her support for the Classification and Compensation study and for fairly compensating employees. She shared that the goal, once funds become available, is to fairly compensate employees. Council Member Balius echoed Mayor Pro Tern Meeks' comments. He inquired if flexible schedules contributed to the 93% employee retention rate. In response to Council Member Balius, Director Andal shared that flexible schedules are available and that the schedules have benefited retention. She explained that there are options for a 9/80, 3/12, or 4/10, and a work -from -home day. She added that the benefits help for recruitment. City Council Minutes of June 10, 2025 Page 31 of 31 MOTION: Mayor Pro Tern Meeks moved to receive and file the report on the status of City vacancies, recruitment, and retention efforts, pursuant to Assembly Bill 256, seconded by Council Member Balius. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Meeks, Balius, Leon, Rubalcava, Kurtz, and Maahs); NOES — 0. Motion carried. REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS: City Attorney Robert Fabela reported that Closed Session Item No. 1 was removed from the Closed Session agenda and continued to the Council meeting of June 17, 2025. PUBLIC COMMENTS (non-aaenda items): None COUNCIL AGENDA SETTING: Council Member Leon highlighted that Consent Calendar Item No. 5 regarding the Catalpa Avenue Sanitary Sewer Line Replacement Project also covers project work under the Community Workforce Agreement with construction scheduled to begin soon and will be completed later in the fourth quarter. He shared that as the City's representative for the Orange County Sanitation District, he has learned a lot about sanitary sewers and processes. Council Member Rubalcava requested to work with the City Attorney on an emergency services first right of refusal policy. She stated that she would like an ordinance or policy that prevents businesses and organizations from outsourcing police, fire, and emergency services to a bigger agency. Mayor Pro Tern Meeks stated that there are many diverse communities across the City and she does not believe a single senior center for the City is appropriate. She requested to agendize a senior center discussion regarding feedback staff has received from the senior community related to their desires for a senior center. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business before the City Council, Mayor Aitken adjourned the City Council meeting at 8:17 p.m., in memory of Officer Samuel Riveros. tfully submitted, *'"" Tti&fdsa Bass, CMC City Clerk Date: 6/10/2025 2:39:05 AM From: "Grooming Disabled" To: "Public Continent" publiccomnrnt@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] The queermafia is nowgrooning the Disabled Attachment: say_nc_to_groomers.pdfIMG 20250609 214004963 AE-2.jpg; You don't often get ermR fro Leam why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Hello, here is an excellent reason to oppose 'LGBTQXYZ rmnth". It leads to indoctrination and grooming ofvulnerable populations including those with severe disabftes who cannot advocate for thermelves. This is currently happening at Clarvida Wellness Center in nearby Orange, 401 S Tustin Street. They are cancelling essential group therapy to promote the queer agenda. They even lied to the County, which funds their programs by submitting a false calendar they bad no intention of adhering to. Once the calendar was approved by County personnel, Clarvida Wellness rolled out the rainbow carpet while pulling out the rug from underneath the feet of the most vulnerable. Attached is a hard copy of the original calendar too. They never got approval from the County for their bait -anal -switch, so we would appreciate it you would send etrails to support those of us who got burned in this dumpster fire. Leammore here Wpsl/doesdoes.goo2le.cornidocummnt/d/1PLOBHWEvb0uAgTvA9U51jmTJYDoHD2eyaGRUwPTMwtc/edit?usp=drivesdk Tab 1 CALL TO ACTION HELP SAVE THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED FROM GROOMERS WHAT. FORCED "PRIDE" ACTIVITY AT WELLNESS CENTER IN ORANGE 401 S Tustin Str, Orange — per OC district maps this is in OC Supervisor Vince Sarmiento's District BY WHOM: CLARVIDA — Virginia -based nonprofit operating under authority of the BoS WHO HAS OVERSIGHT County of OC Continuum of Care & its various Committees please review all links & screenshot ! its highly likely the Wellness Centers will pull the calendars offline OR make "fake changes" outwardly but continue the event as planned at time of writing WELLNESS CENTER CENTRAL still has it advertised i VCLI111`SLE t i51111 VT' k'1`Ilt 1`.] 1 1 r 1: _F. ^_. .�r�7eaairn l.Fi I L] s9, `I L' a r, 4. ^ Ia J1l.Y.as�r 111 ��17 11 Le �lutia. 1111eee� � ePe er 1 11 e P.e 1.1.,. 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JI.. �1111 1Lue IL1 ell i.l I1 rJk1a.,L "rib L 1 Pride 1C41hEWA iHl 1 � � F 1 u.l.eaA iM, + ell ie 'IN red J La li q kJ^1 9 eYr1I191L�rb�°r 7�.r4aJ�;� 1 a'C kA4L��ru i. 90■ �,��■ GIx1�Teaaer iLr7 67z6 _ LI7 P CHI Hro f I IA-i m-11" eae� ye�.d �u�iihlra y�._ 7fu.I l.i for �. 1: .lJ: • Even more intriguing is they claim its only for 90 minutes — still 90 minutes too long but see sample letter for why this is a gross underestimate of the actual time members will be deprived of actual wellness focus activities. 552bbcaf88d2586aeb1edbebac6b13e7 here's wellness center SOUTH's calendar which is more transparent — they say the Wellness Ctr Tustin event is til 4:30 so 3 and a half hours o https://www.wellnesscentersouth.org/calendar/ KQ"t CALRY WAR diGJOUT WC5 AF,mUNCtMEN1 % met'r cum %,Apr A Ain rKILI'rY EVEMT5 PK LILkAM L•.S Waaa Ai "j W&W Mwom a,1 P Y— %W ij - L1 r ■-11 A #,■I.h L,Is. IN 14'f Ud U,V.€ . Iqjw all- I— NWRM- Lj*=. 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G . .I,.JIM.ILF6 WINL.X o" Man S44F1 I* IN FIV4IL LEI � Min M1 Irllrri A� �Il li Lii.ILeY l wrl, ■_ep�gq� A. 1 irlrN 1 A Jr O LL�,f■Yti/1 9 NNWi•I ikgi W& IIILL37I1' . 1: .A L (A.. K I:.: LM EL,FF L ® AY1i i From a 1Am bWFM I irk, fly ds saiii 46 M2TM Y ®l i F.11IM" I PkORWIM 9 ' 11 ,^ WIP n•PP lid' Rn'I F I�7 I We C&Frrr•wA 4W11I� IA L'''Ir�"vim.. �'. I�L AM Edw `i8� I ® l" ■I� H I—*r mar"ILiYI� IN please do NOT contact Clarvida directly — they have obviously approved the event as described and are unlikely to budge, plus it could cause retaliation against Members if Clarvida staff thinks they know who might be behind this IN please do NOT contact Supervisor Sarmiento as he's equally unlikely to budge — see his record of voting of these types of issues rather: contact the ENTIRE Board of Supervisors, if they get enough emails they can collectively bring a vote to address this at the BoS meeting. please send emails to response@ocgov.com by 8am Tuesday— no need to show up in person ! click here Board of Supervisors Meeting Agendas I Orange County Board of Supervisors q I 171A 7, w 4 �j Peer Support and Wellne55 Center Serving, CD4".)n9C COL, -We Aduitl lu arrd a4der Facility- CiAjniv Conlyacted CallcAe CommiLinity P m-e,M i ci ri: �- r i i. - i r i I�v Addr�xs: 4wL]-1 t, fml -i '5t.. 0-1::r, C. Ormncc P h o me: r 3 4 i j .5 1 - 4-,B6 U FOX:VIA) J61-4JUdIN web A Sd r-e-:6 i - h c i 1p: fj%c�c Nea I t h I i ,efb hs lmhHaaAVam h % FaV6e a curFvr-tt or p4isi, his4ory of recieiwing mvrjt.,,j0 8:07 O ♦ + 0 Q °e ochealthinfo.com/services- + ae Wellness Centers NAVIGATION MENU v WELLNESS CENTERS Orange County funds three Wellness Center locations that serve adults 18 and older who are living with a serious mental illness and may have a co-occurring disorder. All Wellness Center participants are actively working on their recovery and join in Wellness Center groups, classes, and activities. Wellness Center West also provides groups, classes, and activities in English Oietnamese. < O 101 an immediate way to bring this to the attention of the FUNDING SOURCE, OCHCA The OC Continuum of Care Policies, Procedures and Standards committee meets THIS Tuesday, at 3pm. Agenda Packet —Final 25.06.10 PPS Committee.pdf You could : come in person and comment OR send an email 24 hours ahead of time • zoom comments are not permitted Members of the public may also submit public comment by emailing CareCoordination@ocgov.com. All comments submitted via email at least 24 hours before the start of the meeting will be distributed to the PPS Committee members and all comments will be added to the administrative records of the meeting. Please include "PPS Committee Meeting Comment" in the email subject line 3rd option: go straight to those who micro -manage the care of the Disabled in OC • NOTE: may take longer to resolve than emailing comments to the addresses listed above, but can try cc'ing the following OC Health Care Agency heads Adult FSP Coordination Office at 714-850-8402 Annette Mugrditchian, LCSW Director, Adult & Older Adult Behavioral Health Services amugrditch ian(&ochca.com Jenny Hudson, LCSW Division Manager, Adult & Older Adult Behavioral Health Services jhudson(ftchca.com Chi Lam, LCSW Program Manager II, Adult & Older Adult Behavioral Health Services clam(a)ochca.com NOTE not all Wellness Center Staff look happy and pleased at having to pose under the vulgar rainbow. It looks like every employee had to pose. The pic below can be seen here at this link Orange County Wellness Center calendar of events If some staff feel uncomfortable and ill at ease what does that say about the dynamics of management and their concern for employees ? What about the "wellness" of employees who maybe did not want to be associated with this? clearly not all are down with the propaganda? M MIUMMYR101721 701 1 1i in 14!. r ...... r. 'rot I Hm'01h E'Jrrftmmiv. k1ffLmvkffAj v4Awth!4rv1vwu 15nW1r4 Nwo171-41 ".M,771 Loll" PAONFIA WI?W DoputV Oftector HimallhCarii Alkwky, BoLwloiA P-wo Is Nrpo, f, 405W 5M 5ifeeL State 726 Aria CA 92 Fol AiiK,, ih.i ?4�mq,, I flAl 6:14 407:) KmL& Pwrpo Av. � A, 92 ,i I I Kpcivy~eKmamm - w 202E CO'Oaa 41 Ve. "-mi—d Pc * kVkCir"" rk4I1kff Ck4li.jl health I AU AC&,WY w ORANGE COUNTY - HEALTH CARE AGENCY Behavioral "ealth Advisory y r+d Meetings E: 2025 Neebing Schedule Note: All nwetings are *W to the piablic * [�I �y 57rUDY M�7ErETIWG�So 8�q, �r -IrrYI�i'7�Y* fA.. 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Santa Arta 9 2 701 iptip Ana 97,701 Am T Ce AVa i I able" Zoom Tellacm if nice Ava able* Neeng TV 99.3 l 5 4212 Meeting TD! 9581 9 1 10 —11 &H. 10:00 A,M, - II ALL. • ' *Unl s noted �* WEDNESDAY, JAlilluARY R, 202.5 'WEDhl.ESDAY, J A.NUARY 22, 2025 (9:00 am — 4:00 pmp Ro]ar.1'cJddorhm � �'?1af�a'� rlr� Cemter) WEDRESDAkY, FEBRUARY 2024 WEDNESDAY, F E BRUARY 2EF 1025 . ` W) XW A-ING f■ Wo "airl" Ht4idav) (Km.Qv1' (OCel') d irel,ri°P't'+'I•: C U ,'"lle ') WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2025 WEDNESDAY, 14ARCH 12,,. 2025 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9F 202!5 WEDNESDAY, ARIL 23, 2025 00 fN I Ht'$-ring1 r heejf 1. � �r1 eerrl V i rrl.�(':'a'ek'C 4 .Cel l'4'1') rra WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 202-5 WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 2025 PRxrr?r: C"aaarr�h-(',vrrft0-CrJir ("el1fer iRt7rxm:31J"Rx WEDNESDAY, 3UNE It, 202S WEDNESDAitr IUNE 2Se 2025 (Re"" C awrr) ° Cr) rrrL'rerdd- u Certivo-j iRc, um: , rib?. 4" option - in person Behavioral Health Advisory Committee click this here link for deets Agenda & Minutes I Orange County California - Health Care Agency Wednesday June 11th at 9 am because the next meeting will be after the 20th and therefore too late to apply pressure to cancel the June 20th abomination Public Comments for Wednesday's Behavioral Health Advisory meeting should be sent asap to ocbhabaochca.com. please direct questions to kperez(C.ocha.com C-04rild1w bi slprt�ftl PF 1,. 4, —1— L,--prL3. L ;Xt*i�f rdF 0. rji�� Tp �� i 9A.5 Icir r mpq!N IMMIX ^"jviti" ■ to e;tkiin r3g ol cyball .0-S erpp ej in m v pi q1c, AW40 V Plr.fj�Lww Crjo,t 04M.1 1!00 1 FF C1 F111 itatio" I I I Ara 010, at jr A a f 1) Vmd HMOOM ME es is n 1fp).0 Vr-i Ikw; I-eAlft fri r "i Emil the e 1,�l ki 111-d I P7'hj11 PH11 us CWreciatjon 114 F-,jj�.Fjr,±jp jLjrh, ?A L L 9111 V it .3 1561-1 6H-67 Rccouvry Ac6on Pfun l�sl,kCf� r7"1117,4% drzyn 111 -en ulopAe-eting, 107 - - - - - - - - - - ,r Swry Cirrile 11A 11V iAl-W 1-dXlf Tc CL Me. POT a -A, 2: n o -,t: a a ! )a ci rods ul pf� .,d - 0 ff g-=j Fi —5 g—,W ith Art I 13 4) 'Tbf -4M60 +':)ej rij -.771pirr- 7" C? 19 ra Ahiro Vrfff0l"eNtiv?, . .................... ... WHY ONLY PRIDE JEWELRY? 0 L, t Li 3i • UPDATE J U N E 6thin re the Creating Together Art class: Members informed us today the *real* reason there is no Open Art is because Art Sessions are now geared towards "pride-themed" creations • UPDATE JUNE 9thin re the calendar originally submitted to and approved by the County of Orange staff: it did include the Trauma Recovery Group. After the calendar was approved, the Wellness Center staff made unauthorized changes. As a reminder, all Wellness Center staff are employed by Clarvida, but the approval and oversight comes from the County. A copy of the original calendar originally put out May 30this attached separately so you can see the differences. There is no option in the alternative on June 20th_ While its true that the calendar claims "if you would like to participate", there are no other activities if one does NOT desire to participate — and therein lies the crux of the problem. It's not "optional" if there are no other choices. There is also not the possibility to opt out of jewelry making and art class which are both "pride" centric all month long. It is obvious this event will not end at 2 or even 2:30 pm. Also, the level of intense preparation for the event, including distribution of free catered food means staff will be occupied and unable to run classes as early as 10:30 am. June 20thIS IS AN ALL -DAY EVENT It is particularly noteworthv that the ONE sinale Wellness Center that is operated, staff and managed by County employees is not having any "pride" themed or related events. Their Calendar can be seen here its WHOLESOME and everyone is included and nobody has to feel unsafe or worried about being groomed June 2025 Calendar - Wellness Center West 4W I: W THE WELLNESS CENTER WEST IN GARDEN GROVE IS THE ONLY ONE OF THE 3 IN THE COUNTY NOT MANAGED BY CLARVIDA, BUT CLARVIDA IS USING COUNTy $ TO FUND THEIR ACTIVITIES INCLUDING THE ENTIRE MONTH OF JUNE 2025 The Manager of Wellness Center West in Garden Grove is Ms Carolina Narvaez and she seems to be doing a great job ! SAMPLE LETTER — feel free to edit according to preference To Whom it May Concern, It has come to my attention that members of the Wellness Center Central in Orange are being forced to participate in "Pride" celebration and regularly scheduled groups are being cancelled. Members are also told to come make jewelry for "pride" all month long. Many members are DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED to various degrees, and thus especially vulnerable to grooming. A significant minority of members of the Wellness Center are not allowed to obtain a driver's license from the State of Ca or open a bank account due to some of them having mild -to -moderate mental retardation. Many are under full or partial conservatorship. These are not adults who can "lust sav no" Even those members who are able to make everyday adult decisions for themselves should not be forced into participation by default nor should they have to forfeit crucial classes that are cancelled due to the "pride" celebration. The times on the calendar are not accurate. Just because something has a "start time" does not mean there are other options before and after. By way of example: last week's Member Carnival, which began at noon, members started lining up by 10:30 am for free food and staff was busy signing members in and assisting with the food truck. That left no staff to run classes, and the event did not end until well after 4 pm, with regular activities resuming around 5 pm. It is also unethical to lure Wellness Center members — many of whom are food insecure - into this event with free catered food. Enticing participation by offering a free meal is targeted promotion of the homosexual/ transexual/ pansexual agenda to vulnerable persons. 401 S Tustin Street in Orange is technically COUNTY PROPERTY and in 2023 the OC BoS voted to BAN "pride" flags from county buildings. The Wellness Center is situated in a compound where literally ALL other buildings are county owned and operated and that cater to Disabled and Mentally or Behaviorally challenged populations, who are in need of care centric services that enhance their well being. I am writing this letter out of goodwill and compassion for those whose voices are left unheard and whose safety is being recklessly disregarded. I am especially concerned about survivors of Sexual Assault, Child Sex Abuse and Human Trafficking. Will the County take responsibility for harassment against those who disagree with the "pride celebration" as well in situations where innocent persons are groped or sexually harassed as is so common at these types of pride-themed events ? To protect the vulnerable members, I ask you move the pride event off site and cease inducing or coercing members to participate in "pride" themed activitiesTheir safety should take first priority over displays of sexual vulgarity. Sincerely Yours [ Name, Address or email handle and / or phone # for contact ] Wellness Center [ventral aol s.nge, C street # c Boors of t Saturday on ar'arige. c-•� 92866 Monday -Thursday &Saturday g:ooam-S:aQpm June 2o25 Pliane: i, i-4};br-g86o Friday 9:ooam-8:ooprtl (ul�:adcer•;.s serl?irr•t to chanele- "f ir�nslato+s at�uilufrli�unnrr re�grrr�r. tiv'ww+,a. s5'ellnesscenteroe.mm Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 16 9:15-9:45 17 9,15-9:45 18 9.15-9:45 19 9:15-9:4S 20 9-1.9-9:4.9 21 Ice Breaker LR Ice Breaker LR Ice Breaker LR Ice Breaker LR Ice Breaker LR Ice Brea 9:45-1i45 9:4S-iO:45 9.45-10:45 10:00-11:00 Campus S orts p a e rve Well 114 (H} 814 � 469 2733 WeClness Wednesday a/O5 0o c1d-Feeling 'a Activities Featuring 114 rr x x New Group.. Good 1 8 rr 108 p g Volleyball OS 10:0 non eating 107 Gardening OS NAMi Conmecti0n 108 Creative Dance for Healing 111 , 10:00-1030 Walk j Talk OS 10:00.11.30 (H) 824 5047 2205 �J-SS: 0o m g N.V. ry estgn 113 10:00-1160 join Us For Coffee F 9:45-11:00 Art Workshop 113 amr�- Pus'Port Activities OS am`LO,4p s Sport Activities Mindful Meditation Ill Dual Recovery rY as e10.0 113 1U.Q��- 0jfeei, Campus Sport Adivrties OS 10:00-I1:40 eTI aftie Ca'vTn 114 . iA * c ixSTi op�irenia Alliance 114 Anonyymous 108 {H] 847 7808 6908 u m F 10: (H) 812 0742 407 Work Order Da y 10:00.12:00 Gold Coast Farms Walk Talk Walk &Talk OS llBSA 108 (H) 852 7154 9027 Orientation 108 10:3D-4.00 jewelry Design 113 j °3' 11-00.12.00 Schizoil re is Alliance 114 p DESA ill 10:00-11'00 AAOaectM1ieetirt iii ©c, in F g 11:Q0-12:OQ tayyitFrtTdayy107/OS AAD pen ill P g Social Outing F Break throu h the Kara a 108 (H) 8136 0460 9 71 The Broad 12:00-1:00 Wurst Fes at Old World in Barriers of rauma 108 MtH) 816 7681 1961 },� oct de LR New Lung 114 11:00-11:S0 Community eeeteng LR 3176 11:00.12:00 pe �scussian 107 Social Time LR (li) 823 6633 6837 Huntington Beach usrc,�pp reciation 114 Yoga l0 T (H) 852 041 3250 Ht 844 0396 ( } Positive 1'hinkin 10$ ) gg (H 041 4230 89Z7 12 00-1.00 SEEM ill 11:00-2:00 o u teensm F �{�j[ n�ent 108 oci'ar ime LR {H) (H) 8 79260 2224 Food Distribution oc.a tme LR 1:��-�:.i 11 (H} k367 7506 1248 823 6633 6837 Time Travel with Terrryy 12:00-I:0000.3: Pride Celebration 1g eYM4 108 (H) 068 9159 0989 Social Time LR (11) $23 6633 6$37 ❑ uv r ntee�nsm F Reach Clean Up o t1�` c�e Da lO8 (H�810 6071 6338 Relationships 108 fH) 840 3417 3056 AA l�ewroup x Work Order Day Orientation 114 1,00-2,00 ASL Sign Language 108 utcmg 12:0 Open Meeting I07 Story Circle 114 1,3Q-2,AO Spending Wisely 107 mpleyment/Education Support 114 Enlightenment 111 "Goir Card Game 107 — ng W!th Art ll3 egmmng Computer 109 Nea Time 1,00-2,30 ewelry. Design 113 RAP 114 Music Academy 108 ; ) ' r Special Group 12:36-1:54 s y Line ill (H) 832 7126 3020 (H) 885 0804 �727 ` ^ • Art Calendar lls 108 2:00-3:30 Workshop 11.3 Social Anxiety Ili ol�ics313 1:30-3!00 QIll 30 3:30-4:30 c[j eWTe_eeel Better 111 moH, Wellness o es Circle 108 1:00-2:00 DMSY d$ A g ana ement 108 897 166 6727 2:30-3:30 Chess Club 114 4 NAMI Connection 100 Game Time 114 (11 ml gg0-717 ame tme 107 10 � u- (H) 825 2304 9811 ess u 114 Relaciones Saludahles 108 2, 30-4,00 Chess Club 114 pen Class 113 �rt (H) 857 3185 0460 2-1sho 113 Crochet 113 en eetin 111 4:00-S:00 eW sfWf can Drumming 111 P In House Cinema LR Ringer 114 Please view our SLOG at www.wellnesscenteroc.eom for fun, informative ideas suggestions, and resources. If you have or blogs to Recovery Fx ressien 107 Social Skills 108 (n PHl) 836 0460 93g/ 1 oetrYy 1l4 Kara0ke 108 Fun with Games 107 comments, please contribute, email (H)860 6045 5887 anurLR,113, l08 Anime/japanese Sohail.Eftekharzadeh@ciarvIda.com Language 107 fbpyriyht Cta-ida. any. All RiyhtsRe ....I "PRIDE" is a Partisan, Political "Social Justice" issue. Per Clarvida's own website political themed events ARE NOT PERMITTED to be put on by staff. Such events are certainly not even allowed at County owned, operated or contracted Health facilities. The "pride" flag was banned from County property in 2023. If Wellness Center allows this event, they will also have to allow Free Palestine, Free the October 7th hostages, Free the Ukraine, and practically every other Socio-Political issue from every side of the spectrum. Interestingly, "MAGA" clothing is prohibited at Clarvida Wellness Centers and Christian themed clothing that pushes back against "pride" is also prohibited eg "Reclaim the Rainbow", even though the latter statement is not inherently offensive to anyone except queer activists Clarvida Wellness Centers did not observe Easter or Christmas. They do celebrate cultural heritage with ethnic monthly observances for Asia, Hispanic Heritage and Black Heritage month, but no ethnic themed event is inherently offensive, because one can not choose one's Racial or genetic makeup. There is not one single shred of evidence of a "homosexual gene", so comparing "pride" to ethnic heritage makes no sense. There IS, however an alcoholic gene, and genetic qualities that make one predisposed to drug addiction. There are no celebrations for alcoholics or drug abusers, even though scientifically these groups are least likely to choose their condition. And the comparison with "pride" to racial makeup is bogus. As one Black Pastor famously said: "Don't compare your SIN to my SKIN" N 0 N � W � H�C O� �W .n..yC O :P 20m �D "1 �e� moo W �o obw I•V- '015N mN (07"1 wON co C1 tr N � V� F••+ � C t cp O co Fi O O CO 10 004 43 O u m�.90yC�i0 �•. N dN �p�o 0 00 o�o]r �► � o � O 0 ` t+ ".j V. N+ � Zr F•� x o �D•��D� O���O�,� N O X.� wad.�yz�N � r••�ep O O � �' p voit-- p mo (m 00 � O q4m- OcDO OC NOO O �O co rz GCS � N NfD � M+ co q:FC N wOs 00 ChC C �O � � � y ��a ��'•� :9 co co o � � r•+ ym� ON O 'o �yo o.. O O "M H y A C1• H W 7 n rp h+ ai N G' N •� I-+ v7CO v�� O rC EA WON 00'. n^ZG�r+ OQ O o O z -w m oO t ^7 N cOD �c G' �,c O °� O O = vGc co za����F� p . Ow CD c N ►-'� w �' N o o _ z W,;?!' i N O r+ (7, VO ^p O V1-+0o I.a .p cD OQ p CC W O p .� =• �C�' �• 3 .. .. y y o c O 'x' ,•• tC .3 y ` O O O C'y .p p CDCRO •p �'O t/fcpc ��O t c�o� (9 ff„ 'r7 Vf fD O N p d\ ft r o 77 N N -� N mCA F-A v0 O fDw 00 OOE° CO y. IS3 Ctq'L% .. 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Oo•• Cx ^0 "c O - '! �• � O fD `r F� � N VCi h•�70AY �� � m w50 5 Opp OW W OO.�y o Om0 m o c 00 0 Co r O FAO cm � Y coo o'c �N f�90 pc" CG~ e•'* a fin.. y p W � 1•+ N 'A tp (n �,+ C O�N w y�ft From: Bobby Olea Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 20259:30AM To: Natalie Rubalcava <NRubalcava@anaheim.net>; Jim Vanderpool ,JVanderpool@anaheim.net>; Kristen Maahs <KMaahs@anaheim.net>; Norma C. Kurtz <NKurtz@anaheim.net>; Carlos A. Leon <CLeon@anaheim.net>; Ashleigh Aitken <AAitken@anaheim.net>; Natalie Meeks <NMeeks@anaheim.net>; Theresa Bass <TBass@anaheim.net> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. I apply for the library board. Date: 5/30/2025 5:16:58 AM From To: Subject: [EXTERNAL] California is a lousy State to live 4Denwcrats yukkk Warning: This emaff originated fromoutside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 5/30/2025 8:25:32 PM From: To: Subject: [EXTERNAL] Workers breaking into my Hotel Room Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 5/31/2025 6:18:20 AM From: To: Cc: Subject: [EXTERNAL] #TEN COMANDMENTTS Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 5/31/2025 6:54:10 AM From: To: Cc: Sul* ct: [EXTERNAL] #You don't know the BIBLE ,NOT OF THIS WORLD NOW Warning: This emailoriginated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 5/31l2025 10:58:43 AM From To: Cc: Subject: [EXTERNAL] Rotten peoples at Hotels I stay Warning: This email originated fromoutside the City ofAnaheim Do not click links oropen attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 6/1/202511:16:07 AM From: "Ruben Soto"� To Subject: [EXTERNAL] Panhandling is against the Law Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 6/2/2025 7:26:29 AM From To: Subject: [EXTERNALI # it's too late,walk away you know how Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click finks or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 6/2/2025 7:45:56 AM Fbo►m "Ruben Soto" To: Subject: [EXTERNAL] #Hate to a REAL AMERICAN Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 6/3/2025 4:51:44 AM From "Ruben Soto" To: Cc: Subject: [EXTERNALS #Todd Spitzer!!!! Warning: This emailoriginated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 6/3/2025 6:37:06 AM From "Ruben Soto" To: Subject: [EXTERNAL] # I don't Disrespect Women Dude's Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 6/3/2025 9:48:08 AM From: To: Subject: [EXTERNAL] Deported Wanting: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: From 6/3/2025 11:53:02 AM "Ruben Soto" To: Subject: [EXTERNAL] Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless ,you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 6/3/2025 8:29:17 PM From: "Ruben Soto' To: Subject: [EXTERNAL] Spying and stocking,privacy act, against my constitutional Rights,privacy act Warning. This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 6/4/2025 12:51:38 AM From: "Ruben Soto"� To Subject: [EXTERNAL] Revenge to Anaheim Downtown Disneyland Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 6/4/2025 6:38:55 AM From To: Subject Waring: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 6/4/2025 9:59:25 AM From "Ruben Soto" To: Subject: [EXTERNAL] Wanting: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 6/5/2025 7:33:51 AM Dom "Ruben Soto" To: Subject: [EXTERNAL] #$!?Some Men have all the Luck only if you fight for Ladies rights ChaCha that's ME Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 6/5/2025 8:12:35 AM From "Ruben Soto" To: Subject: [EXTERNAL] Guatemalans breaking into my house stealing my stuff with my ex-wife she don't deserve to be a Soto Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 6/5/2025 9:06:40 AM From: To: Subject: [EXTERNAL] You been exposed men the way you talk about woman Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 6/6/2025 7:16:15 AM From "Ruben Soto' To: Cc: Subject: [EXTERNAL] Men hate vwman even your mother right boys Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognise the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 6/6/202510:01:01 AM Prom: "Ruben Soto" To: Subject: [EXTERNAL] Orange County credit Union liars Fullerton PD bulletin liars public defenders District attorneys liars Waring: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 6/6/2025 1.-38:24 PM From To: Subject: [EXTERNAL] Punk ,sick police and men and Christian churches in California Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 6/6/2025 4:37:53 PM From 'Ruben Soto' To: Subject: [EXTERNAL] ungrateful Americans and non -americans in my country USA Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 5/30/2025 1:47:04 PM From: "Rep. Lou Correa" repcorrea@mail8.housecommunications.gov To: "Public Comment" publiccomment@anaheim.net Subject: [EXTERNAL] Honoring my neighbors in Orange County. Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. LOU C R R EA DOWN7DWN A .',!aANC E Cp� I� A 4I{ REPRESENTATIVE CALIFORNIA'S 46" DISTRICT ' �A III ."Ai It Hello, This week, I was back in Orange County celebrating our community and honoring those who gave their lives to defend our freedom. I started the week at Anaheim Cemetery paying respect to the fallen heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom. I also celebrated the incredible accomplishments of Orange County students and I also worked with my neighbors to create more greenspace. As I continue to bring your voice to the halls of Congress. I'd like to show you what I've been working on. I spent Memorial day at the Anaheim Cemetery, paying respect to the service men and women who gave their lives to keep us safe.) have spent my career honoring those brave Americans who selflessly fought to defend liberty and justice for all. Memorial Day reminds us that freedom isn't free —some paid the ultimate price. We remember them, we thank them, and we carry their legacy forward. Congressman Correa joined the Anaheim VFW Post 3173 and American Legion Post 72 to commemorate the fallen service members of our nation on Memorial Dayat theAnaheim Cemetery. This month marks the end of the year for schools across Orange County. I spent the week congratulating our graduates and celebrating the accomplishments of our students.Whether it be middle school promotion, high school graduation, or beyond, this transition is an exciting step towards the future.Congratulations to all of the students, parents, and teachers who worked so hard to achieve this milestone! Congressman Correa delivered remarks in honor of Middle College High's class of 2025 I joined my neighbors at the kickoff of the Strawberry Festival Celebration by serving all who attended strawberry shortcake! We kept the party going at the parade, where I was honored to join my son, Adan, and countless other constituents who call our community home. Did you know this year marks the 65th anniversary of the Strawberry Festival? It celebrates our district's strawberry growing heritage! Congressman Correa joined in the celebration kicking off the 65th Strawberry Festival, where delicious strawberry shortcake was served to all during opening day. I also had the privilege of sitting down with my neighbors to share updates on the Santiago Creek project following my recent tour of the creek. I was joined by leaders from the Army Corps of Engineers, Orange County Public Works (OCPW) representatives, Orange County Water District (OCWD), locally elected officials, and representatives from Congresswoman Young Kim's office to visit portions of the creek which included the Santiago Basins and Channel that run from the 1-5 Freeway to the Santa Ana River. We are all proud to live in beautiful Santa Ana and I will keep working with my community to save our trees and protect our precious greenspaces. 1 Congressman Correa joined his neighbors to discuss ways to keep Santiago Creek green As always, I am committed to serving you, advocating for issues that matter to our community, and connecting you to important resources. If you are experiencing any issues with a federal agency, my office is hereto help. Give us a call at (714) 559-6190. Sincerely, Rep. Lou Correa Member of Congress Sign up for my newsletter to get updates on this issue and others! Visit my websiteto learn more! correa.house.aov Contact Me Washington D.C. 2082 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-2965 Santa Ana Rancho Santiago Community College Building 2323 N. Broadway, Suite 319 Santa Ana, CA 92706 (714) 559-6190 Unsubscribe from future messages. Date: 6/4120251:39:18 PM From: "Rep. Lou Correa" repcorrea@mail8.housecommunications.gov To: "Public Comment" publiccomment@anaheim.net Subject: [EXTERNAL] Should Congress help provide early childhood services? Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. LOU C ---` RREA REPRESENTATIVE O— CALIFORNIA'S 46'" DISTRICT Dear neighbor, II'9 DOWNTOWN JRANGE p0(�' ern, I' I' believe that every child should have resources they need to succeed. This includes making sure that children aged 0-5 receive child care, education, and medical care that will best prepare them for elementary school and beyond. Head Start is a federally funded program that provides services for young children including nutrition, health care, and child care. Eliminating this program would keep approximately children across California from getting critical resources. am committed to fighting to ensure that our children have what they need to build successful futures. As we address this bipartisan effort in Congress, I want your opinion. I WANTYOUR OPINION: Should Congress continue to provide early childhood services? OYes O No Taking this survey will sign you up for future news and updates from our office. As I work with my colleagues in Congress to make housing more affordable, I will keep your thoughts in mind. My job is to bring your voice to Washington, and I want to continue hearing from you as Congress considers taking action. Sincerely, ekA/ C�- Rep. Lou Correa Member of Congress Sign up for my newsletter to get updates on this issue and others! O Visit my websiteto learn more! correa.house.aov Contact Me Washington D.C. 1039 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-2965 Santa Ana Rancho Santiago Community College Building 2323 N. Broadway, Suite 319 Santa Ana, CA 92706 (714) 559-6190 Unsubscribe from future messages. Date: 6/6/2025 12:30:05 PM From: "Rep. Lou Correa" repcorrea@mail8.housecommunications.gov To: "Public Comment" publiccomment@anaheim.net Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fighting for Main Street Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Lou C RREA REPRESENTATIVE CALIFORNIA'S 46" DISTRICT Dear [Mr./Ms.] [Surname], �I fDO TOW .. _,RANGE couNTF , WP This week, I was in Orange County and Washington D.C., talking about how to lower costs for hard- working American taxpayers on Main Street. In Washington, I joined lawmakers and real estate professionals to talk about ways we can make it easier to buy a home,Istood up for affordable public higher education, introduced legislation to help prevent suicide among college students. I also joined my neighbors to discuss how Medicaid cuts will increase health care costs back home. As I continue to bring your voice to the halls of Congress, I'd liketo show you what I've been working on. This week, I met with real estate professionals, developers, brokers, and lawmakers, to discuss how we can make it easier for hard-working American taxpayers on Main Street to buy their first home. Home ownership is a key way to build wealth and achieve the American dream, and too many Orange County residents feel that buying a house is out of reach. Making home ownership more accessible means working on delivering good public policy that supports Americans on Main Street. Congressman Correa sat down with lawmakers and real estate professionals abouthow to make homeownership a reality for more Americans This week, while my Republican colleagues were talking about the price of Ivy League education, I stood up for affordable public education. I attended Cal State Fullerton —the Harvard of the west coast— thanks to federally funded programs likethe Pell Grant that helped me get my degree without paying a dime. Getting a good education is an important step to achieving the American Dream. I believe that our federal tax dollars should support programs that reduce the cost of public education for hard-working American taxpayers on Main Street. Congressman Correa addressed the House Judiciary Committee about the need to make higher education more affordable This week I introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to help prevent suicide in young adults. Currently, suicide is the second leading cause of death for college students. Adding suicide prevention information will ensure that at -risk students have support resources available. The Improving Mental Health Access for Students Actwould require colleges and universities to provide contact information for the 988 Suicide and Crisic Lifeline, Crisis Text line, and an on -campus mental health center on student identification cards. 119Tn0t,r,I:I: � H. R0 3624 To .1.1 s, wide pnrvenrmn nx„o— to x .) I Id —fir-- o , «ants. 1Lis 29, 202.5 Mr. i'„alir::1 If- Mr. RA(IIN, Mr. PETgav, Mr. Mlll'1.'1' N, Mr. [hm)F,a[ of Cid6oniiu, Ms. \Wt7uS, `,Ir. L.t.I.trrn, Mr. Klu mu..11r. J.11-1.1 of Illim,iv, M., I'asae, Mr. RVIZ, Mr. VM[Ps, Ms. C1,111:, ,,od Mr. Nnia,sles „f Sns Y,rrk) ult—i,,o l the fon—irg bar; which wan rrfrrmd to ❑., Col—tU un Education and W,,,kf,,— A BILL To add suicide pn . rti,m i-mit,, , to sehool identification cal, I., 1 Be it enacted bg Ihr Xr„nL ,tnd hoax of Kepresenta- 2 tines ofthe United hYa'.. „(.l.arritrt nt C'megrrm assembled, 3 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 4 This Act snap tv t,•d as the "Imprming Mental 5 Health Access for ticoh ot, AX'. Congressman Correa's bill would require colleges and universities to provide contact information for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, and a campus mental health center on newlyprinted student identification cards. I also joined my neighbors to talk about how passing the so-called "Big Beautiful Bill" would strip health care from thousands of hard-working taxpayers in Orange County. It would cut nearly $10 billion in California Medicaid funding, increase taxes, and drive up costs. Families depend on Medicaid and affordable health care in times of crisis. These drastic cuts mean putting their lives at risk. I will keep fighting to ensure everyone can get the health care they need without breaking the bank. Congressman Correa sat down with local stakeholders to discuss how potential Medicaid cuts would affect Orange County As always, I am committed to serving you, advocating for issues that matter to our community, and connecting you to important resources. If you are experiencing any issues with a federal agency, my office is hereto help. Give us a call at (714) 559-619& Sincerely, Rep. Lou Correa Member of Congress Sign up for my newsletter to get updates on this issue and others! Visit my websiteto learn more! correa.house. oov Contact Me Washington D.C. 2082 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-2965 Santa Ana Rancho Santiago Community College Building 2323 N. Broadway, Suite 319 Santa Ana, CA 92706 (714) 559-6190 Unsubscribe from future messages. Date: 6/3/202511:19:28 AM From: To: Subject: [EXTERNAL] F',Ad- Meet the Al Trailblazers Transforming Youth Wellbeing Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. ---------- Forwarded n-rssage--------- From Project Liberty <he� rojeedberty.io> Date: Tue, Jun 3, 2025 at 7:58 AM Subject: Meet the Al Trailblazers TransforirkC Youth Wellbeing Mew in browser PI L Better web, better world June 3rd, 2025 // Did someone forward you this newsletteR Sign up to receive your own copy here. Meet the AI Trailblazers Transforming Youth Wellbeing When it comes to the frontier of Al development, Big Tech companies like OpenAl, Anthropic, and Google get all of the attention. But when it comes to responsible Al, nonprofits are at the forefront. Those seeking best practices and pioneering examples of how organizations are blending cutting -edge technology with human values and principles around data privacy and online safety need look no further than the growing movement of AI - powered nonprofits.These organizations aren'tjust leading the conversation, they're applying innovative technologies to solve real -world problems. In this newsletter, we focus on an emerging trend and uncover bright spots: how small but fast-growing nonprofits are leveraging Al to build a safer internet. The Rise of AI Nonprofits Fast Forward, a member of the Project Liberty Alliance, is a nonprofit that provides resources and funding to build the tech and AI -powered nonprofit sector. Fast Forward hosts a nonprofit accelerator, which has supported over 100 mission -driven organizations that have improved the lives of more than 262 million people. In the past year, Fast Forward has observed a remarkable shift in the landscape of AI -powered nonprofits. In a series of articles in Stanford's Social Innovation_ Review last year, they reported seeing a 600% increase in AI -powered nonprofit applicants to their program compared to the year prior, with four major themes of how Al is deployed: 1 . Structuring Data: Supercharging what humans can do with data. 2. Advising: Scaling human -to -human, high -touch experiences. 3. Translating: Translating language and decoding information. 4. Platforms: Al infrastructure that equips nonprofits to deploy their own Al tools. Fast Forward's Co -Founder and President, said: "On average, nonprofits feel like they get the benefits of many new technologies last. But with Al, it's actually the nonprofits that are at the forefront of thinking about Al responsibly —from the way they think about their data and privacy and bias to the kinds of structures and guardrails they create." Kevin Barenblat, Fast Forward Co -Founder & President Project Liberty teamed up with Fast Forward to interview the leaders of two AI - powered nonprofits in the youth mental health field. Below we highlight their stories and their models, exploring how ethical Al use can improve youth mental health. Lenny Learning Personal Story Ting Gao, Co-founder and CEO of Lenny Learninct, said that her entire life story has culminated in what Lenny does. Growing up, her brother had an undiagnosed and untreated mental illness. Despite being raised in the same home, they went on different paths, in part because he never got the right mental health resources at the right time. This idea of the tightresources at the tight tithe stuck with her. Ting Gao, Co -Founder & CEO of Lenny Learning After university, Gao was working on a startup with business partner Bryce Bjork. In 2020, Bjork lost his brother to suicide. Gao and Bjork - focused on mental health literacy —called Brain Health Bootcamp— through Bjork's family foundation. After two years of validating, piloting, and building, theywent full-time and evolved the model into whatwould become Lenny Learning. The Problem The teachers, counselors, and administrators in a school system are on the frontlines in supporting the mental health of young people. The problem is they're often underequipped and overwhelmed. Gao said that the average counselor -to - student ratio in the United States is 1:385 (one counselor serves an average of 385 students). Meanwhile, 9/10 teachers don't feel equipped to address mental health issues and respond effectively. These adults interact with students every day, but they often lack the right resources at the right time. The Solution Lenny is an Akenabled behavioral health platform. It provides a toolkit of lessons, interventions, family engagement, and analytics that are aligned with proven research and best practices. Teachers and counselors can log in to the platform and explain to the AI -powered system the issue or challenge they're facing. Trained on a library of evidence - based methodologies, Lenny creates a set of personalized resources and tools for the educator. It delivers evidence -based lesson plans, creates targeted interventions. and assesses student needs. The Model & Traction Lenny is a nonprofit, but it sells access to its platform to school districts nationwide. It raises philanthropic funding to provide the platform to underresourced districts at no cost. It also offers free access to the platform for individual educators, allowing anyone to sign it and try it for free. Lenny grew by 10x in 2024 alone. It is in 700 schools in every state, reaching over 300,000 students. Gao and Bjork's vision is to be in every school in the country by 2030. Koko Personal Story Dr. Rob Morris, the founder of has always been fascinated by psychology and the study of the mind. When he was pursuing his PhD at MITfocused on digital mental health, he found he was struggling with his own mental health. So he started to build a tool just for himself. "It was bespoke to me. If I could help myself, maybe I could build something that would help others, too," he said. That was the genesis of Koko. Today, Koko has reached over4,000,000 people byworking with digital platforms to provide free, evidence -based mental health interventions. The Problem The results from a survey by the CDC in 2023 highlighted how we're in the midst of a youth mental health crisis in the United States. • One in three students experiences poor mental health most of the time. • One in three students has felt persistent sadness or hopelessness for 2 weeks or more during a 12-month period. • One in five students has seriously considered attempting suicide during a 12-month period. • One in 10 students has attempted suicide during a 12-month period. Meanwhile, American teens ages 13-18 spend an average of 5.6 hours per day on their phones. The Solution The philosophy behind Koko is to be pragmatic. "I don't think it's realistic that we're going to shut these platforms down entirely," Dr. Morris said. "You have to go where the millions of eyeballs already are." This means that Koko's tech adapts to the specific architecture of each social platform. If a user is searching for content on a social media platform that suggests they might need help (such as searching for pro -anorexia content), Koko uses Al to work with the platform to suppress that content and redirect the user to evidence -based resources. • On Discord, the model is different. Over 24,000 Discord servers have installed Koko's AI bot, allowing Discord users on that server to chat with a Koko chatbot and get support. • On Instagram, users might come across a Koko video in their feed. When they click on the video, it opens a Whatsapp chat where users can interact with Koko resources. • On TikTok, Koko uses hundreds of thousands of dollars of ad credits provided by the platform to direct young people to mental health services. The Future Today, a young person completes an intervention via Koko every 90 seconds (an intervention is considered an instance when a user completes a course, receives peer support, or is connected to a crisis line). Dr. Morris's goal is to scale to a point where someone completes an intervention every second of every day. So far, users have completed 738,000 interventions. To scale, Koko is adding new platforms and expanding its work with university partners (it has completed multiple randomized control trials at MIT). Building a Responsible Tech Ecosystem One hallmark of a responsible Al company (nonprofit or otherwise) is their relationship to data both in what they collect and what they don't. In our conversations with Lenny Learning and Koko, what data they chose not to collect was indicative of their values around data privacy. • Lenny intentionally doesn't collect any student data on its platform. They only interact with adult educators. • Koko's data collection is minimal: The only data collected automatically is the social platform the user came from. Koko doesn't know the IP address, username, or search history. Data privacy is just one of their ethical commitments. Lenny and Koko are two of dozens of Al nonprofits in Fast Forward's portfolio and in the that are building a safer, better internet. We'd love to hear from you. What organizations are at the forefront of responsible Al development? Who is responsibly using Al to build The People's Internet? Project Liberty updates // Project Liberty Institute is announcing a strategic partnership with VentureESG and ImpactVC at SuperVenture 2025 in Berlin this week. Together, these networks of over 1,200 leading VCs and LPs are committed to integrating ESG principles and advancing responsible investment in data and Al. The firstjoint initiative: a sector -wide surveyto benchmark current practices and chart a path toward more accountable, resilient, and future -ready investment models. Learn more I M PACT Project Liberty VC + Institute + VentureESG . Other notable headlines - A new law in Texas requires Apple and Google to verify ages for app downloads, giving parents more control over the apps that minors use, according to an article in the New York Times. (Paywall). The Al browser wars are about to begin. Artificial intelligence is already writing an obituary for the internet as we know it. Ana rticle in The Platformer asks: Why is everyone building new web browsers? (Free). // F- An article in The New_ Yorker explored the two paths forward for Al. The technology is complicated, but our choices are simple: we can remain passive, or assert control. (Paywall). // F An article in Noema Magazine considered how Pope Leo can address distributive justice in the age of Al. (Free). According to a new study, more than half of the top 100 mental health TikToks contain misinformation. An investigation , by The Guardian reveals the promotion of dubious advice, questionable supplements, and quick -fix healing methods. (Free). // ❑❑ In a world first, Brazilians will soon be able to sell their digital data. According to an article in Rest of World, Brazil is piloting dWallet, a project that lets citizens earn money from their data. (Free). Partner news & opportunities // Negotiating a Future with All and Us June 9 1 6:30-9:OOpm ET I Betaworks, New York, NY Join thought leaders for an immersive evening at Betaworks examining how Al is reshaping our perceptions, work, and decision -making. This interactive event hosted by ian and Andus Labs invites participants to reflect, re- orient, and envision a more human -centered technological future. Space is limited —register here. // Vana Academy: Accelerator for Data -Driven Startups Applications close June 4 (tomorrovii) Today and tomorrow _, ; is accepting their final applications for its 9-week accelerator focused on building businesses powered by human data. Participants will learn to create DataDAOs—decentralized data organizations —with real user contributions, token models, and go -to -market strategies. Teams can earn up to $5,000 and pitch to top investors. Apply here. // Humanity Hardwired: A New Voice from an Early Ally Omidyar Network, one of the Project Liberty Alliance's first partners, has launched Humanity Hardwired, a new monthly newsletter exploring the culture, governance, and business of tech with a human -first lens. This month's edition covers the proposed federal ban on state Al laws, recent antitrust developments, and tips for working with employees to harness Al. Subscribe What did you think of today's newsletter? We'd love to hear your feedback and ideas. Reply to this email. in X Project Liberty it 10 Hidson Yards, R 37, W-w York New York 10001 Unsubscribe ivbnage Preferences © 2025 Project Liberty LLC Date: 6/3/2025 12:11:46 PM From "Michael Mavrovouniotis" To: "Public Comment" publicconxnent@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] CITY COUNCIL, GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. (a) We've been saying the county animal shelter doesn't have enough Animal Care Attendants. The proposed county budget for FY 2025-2026 now states: "Add Seven Positions to Expand OC Animal Shelter Operating Hours". Please ask OCAC to make sure that these positions will be Animal Care Attendants. A big thank you to OC Supervisors Janet Nguyen and Vicente Sarmiento — and to the articulate op-ed contributors that documented the shortage in Animal Care Attendants: Jackie. Margot Romina, and Karen. (b) In the recent California Journalism Awards, Voice of OC won first place in multiple categories in its Division (on -lime only publications). In the Public Service category, Angelina Hicks won first place in her Division for her articles about the shelter. The award is listed as 'Reopening OC's Animal Shelter". Voice of OC Recognized For General Excellence and Public Service By California News Publishers (c) Work remains to be done: The shelter's Strategic Plan. The plan should not be diluted, it should be implemented! You can revisit Teri Storm's February article in the Register: New plan for OC Animal Care: To boost survival, or dampen expectations? While you're at it, check out her coverage of the disappearance of hundreds of OC's small pets (many of which, we found out later, were shipped to Arizona, and are likely to have met a grim fate). Advocates horrified over mysterious fate of small animals Date: 6/6/2025 4:55:59 PM From: To: Subject: [EXTERNAL] People get priority straight veterans are not loved Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 6/8/2025 8:0.5:10 AM DYom: To: Subject: [EXTERNAL] America is going down if government don't get their head out of their ass Warning: This email originated fmmoutside the GSty of Anaheim Do not click links oropen attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 6/8/202.5 8:23:05 AM From To: Subject: [EXTERNAL] Black Panthers AKA black fives matter Warning: This email originated fromoutside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 6/8/2025 8:32:52 AM From "Ruben Soto" To: Subject: [EXTERNALI PTSD that's me! hidden vwunds Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 6/8/2025 8:39:28 AM From: To: Subject; Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 6/8/2025 8:47:57 AM From To: Subject: [EXTERNALI #revenge is a bad thing to do Christians Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 6/8/2025 9:00:44 AM From To: Subject: [EXTERNAL] Kicked out downtown Disney Wanting: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 6/91202510.23:48 AM From: To: Subject: [EXTERNAL] Predators in the prison system Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 6/8/202510:3723 PM From: To: Subject: [EXTERNAL] Something good in Orange County Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 6/10/20251:06:27 PM From: "Ruben Soto" To Subject: [EXTERNAL] Hateful man that hate me that you can't be me vibrators Brea Mall Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 6/10/2025 1:38:47 PM From To: Subject: [EXTERNAL] The real reason I got arrested April 18th 2025 Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. 6/10/2025 2:36:44 PM Date: Front To Subject: [EXTERNAL] PUBLIC COMMENT CALLING A SOCIAL MEDIA RESOLUTION TO RAISE AREWARENESS OF HARM FROM TO MUCH SCREENTIME. ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEAL TI-Lpdf;Resolution Addressing Social Media Use, Screen Time, and Attachment: Youth.pdf;202520260AB2_Assembly Privacy And Consumer Protection.pdf;202520260AB2_Assembly Judiciary.pdf,202520260AB2 Assembly FloorAnalysis.pdf; Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. (P.R.D.D.C.) PARENTS FOR THE RIGHTS OF DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CHILDREN CRAIG A. DURFEY FOUNDER OF P.R.D.D.C. P.O.BOX 2001 GARDEN GROVE, CA 92842 SOCIALEMOTIO NAL PAWS.CO M FACEBOOK: CRAIG DURFEY U.S. HOUSE OF CONGRESS H2404 - HONORING CRAIG DURFEY FOR HIS FIGHT AGAINST AUTISM ... Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. httos:liwww.govinfo.gov/co ntent/okg/CREC-2003-03-27/ndf/CREC-2003-03-27.odf new website socialemotionalpaws.org Orange County Board of Supervisor County Administration North 400 W. Civic Center Drive Santa Ana, CA 92701 Orange County Board of Education 200 Kalmus Drive Costa Mesa, CA 92626 Phone: 714-966-4012 Fax: 714-432-1916 E-mail: contact@ocbe.us Congressman Lou Correa 1127 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-2415 Congressman Derek Tran 2082 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-2965 Senator Tony Strickland 1021 O Street, Suite 6730 Sacramento, CA 95814-4900 Phone: (916) 651-4036 Assemblyman TO Ta 14361 Beach Blvd Ste 211 Westminster, CA 92683 Phone - 714-379-0970 Mayor Stephanie Garden Grove City Hall 11222 Acacia Parkway Garden Grove, CA 92840 Dear Mayor Stephanie Request place as a agenized proposal RESOLUTION ADDRESSING SOCIAL MEDIA USE, SCREEN TIME, AND YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH WHEREAS, according to a recent survey one-third of all teens report being online and using social media platforms "almost constantly"; 1 and WHEREAS, a 2023 U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory warned that while social media may offer benefits, there is growing evidence of risks to youth mental health including anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of sleep;2 and WHEREAS, studies have found correlations between time spent on social media and mental health including one study that found risk of anxiety and depression doubled in youth that spent more than three hours daily on social media; 3 and WHEREAS, adolescence represents a critical time in the brain development and studies have reported social media may result in addictive behavior, decreased attention span, and lower test scores;and WHEREAS, growing reports suggest social media can expose youth to cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and heavily edited comparisons that can lead to eating disorders, body dissatisfaction, and suicidal ideation; 6 and WHEREAS, evidence -based strategies to reduce the risks of social media include implementing device - free school policies, setting screen -time limits at home, avoiding screens before bedtime, and educating families about the psychological effects of social media; and WHEREAS, time spent on social media and screens decreases time for exercise, sleep, in -person time with friends, and other activities that are thought to improve mental health and healthy social development (for youth and adults). htips:ilwww.arangecountyne.gov/Documents:enter/View/31474/Resolution-Addressing Social -Media -Use - Screen -Time -and -Mental -Health Approved-20250326For-Shar1nq?h1dld_ New Poll Reveals Strong Bipartisan Opposition to Proposed Ban on State Al Laws Poll from Common Sense Media and Echelon Insights reveals strong and bipartisan concern about a congressional proposal to ban state -level Al laws for the next decade SAN FRANCISCO, May 29, 2025 — Common Sense Media and Echelon Insights today released the findings of a new poll showing that Americans across the political spectrum strongly oppose a decade -long ban on state Al safety laws included in the budget reconciliation bill narrowly passed by the House on May 22 and now being considered by the Senate. New Poll Reveals Strong. Bipartisan Opposition to Proposed Ban Al The key takeaways from the poll include: Concern about the potential effects of Al — especially on kids and teens — is widespread and bipartisan. 93% of voters — including 95% of Republicans — are concerned about kids being exposed to highly sexualized AI -generated content online. Nine -in -ten (90%) worry about the effect of social media on kids and teens. Some 86% of voters prefer an approach that focuses on protecting kids and teens from dangers online, while only 7% prioritize an approach that generally avoids regulation in pursuit of economic growth and innovation. New Poll Reveals Strong Bipartisan Opposition to Proposed Ban Al AND Social Media Resolution Commerce Committee Advances Schatz -Cruz Bipartisan Legislation To Keep Kids Safe, Healthy, Off Social Media Kids Off Social Media Act Sets Social Media Age Minimum To 13, Prohibits Use Of Algorithms To Feed Addictive Content To Teens Under 17. Today, the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee approved the Kids Off Social Media Act. Authored by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai°i), a senior member of the Senate Commerce Committee, Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Katie Britt (R Ala.), the bipartisan legislation will keep kids off social media and help protect them from its harmful impacts. To do that, the bill would set a minimum age of 13 to use social media platforms and prevent social media companies from feeding algorithmically - targeted content to users under the age of 17. In addition to Schatz, Cruz, Murphy, and Britt, the Kids Off Social Media Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Angus King (I -Maine), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and John Curtis (R-Utah). "There is no good reason for a nine -year -old to be on Instagram or Snapchat. The growing evidence is clear. social media is making kids more depressed, more anxious, and more suicidal. Yet tech companies refuse to anything about it because it would hurt their bottom line. This is an urgent health crisis, and Congress must act with the boldness and urgency it demands," said Senator Schatz. "Protecting kids online is not a partisan issue, and our bipartisan coalition - which includes several parents of kids and teenagers - represents the millions of parents across the country who've long been asking for help." Parents overwhelmingly support the mission of the Kids Off Social Media Act. A survey conducted by Count on Mothers shows that over 90 percent of mothers agree that there should be a minimum age of 13 for social media. Additionally, 87 percent of mothers agree that social media companies should not be allowed to use personalized recommendation systems to deliver content to children. Pew finds similar levels of concern from parents, reporting that 70 percent or more of parents worry that their teens are being exposed to explicit content or wasting too much time on social media, with two-thirds of parents saying that parenting is harder today compared to 20 years ago — and many of them cited social media as a contributing factor. The Kids Off Social Media Act is supported by Public Citizen, National Organization for Women, National Association of Social Workers, National League for Nursing, National Association of School Nurses, KidsToo, Count on Mothers, American Federation of Teachers, American Counseling Association, National Federation of Families, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, Parents Television and Media Council, Tyler Clementi Foundation, Parents Who Fight, Conservative Ladies of America, David's Legacy Foundation, Digital Progress, HAS Coalition, Parents Defending Education Action, Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee, and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Kids Off Social Media Act Sets Social Media Age Minimum To 13, Pr Request support to address other bodies of government agencies to support this resolution as action item to raise awareness of harm the lack of duty of care. AB-2 Injuries to children: civil penalties.(2025-2026) Bill Text - AB-2 Injuries to children: civil penalties. ASSEMBLY THIRD READING AB 2 (Lowenthal and Patterson) As Amended April 3, 2025 Social media harms to children. From 2010 to 2019, "rates of depression and anxiety fairly stable during the 2000s—rose by more than 50% in many studies" and "[t]he suicide rate rose 48% for adolescents ages 10 to 19. " This trend tracks "the years when adolescents in rich countries traded their flip phones for smartphones and moved much more of their social lives online —particularly onto social -media platforms designed for virality and addiction:'1 According to the Surgeon General: [T]he current body of evidence indicates that while social media may have benefits for some children and adolescents, there are ample indicators that social media can also have a profound risk of harm to the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents. At ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY Ash Kalra, Chair AB 2 (Lowenthal) - As Amended April 3, 2025 SUBJECT: INJURIES TO CHILDREN: CIVIL PENALTIES KEY ISSUE: SHOULD SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS BE LIABLE FOR SPECIFIED STATUTORY DAMAGES FOR BREACHING THEIR DUTY OF ORDINARY CARE AND SKILL TO A CHILD BY CAUSING INJURY TO THE CHILD? According to the author. [AB 2] amends Section 1714 only by adding statutory damages against platforms that are found in court to be liable under current law for negligently causing harm to children under the age of 18. Under the bill, if a company is proven to have failed to exercise its already established duty of operating with ordinary care, the company becomes financially liable for a set amount of $5,000 per violation, up to a maximum penalty of $1 million per child, or three times the amount of the child's actual damages, whichever is applicable. This financial liability aims to incentivize platforms who count their profits in the tens of billions to proactively safeguard children against potential harm by changing how they operate their platforms. ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON PRIVACY AND CONSUMER PROTECTION Rebecca Bauer -Kahan, Chair AB 2 (Lowenthal) - As Amended March 17, 2025 PROPOSED AMENDMENTS SUBJECT: Injuries to children: civil penalties SYNOPSIS State law provides that everyone, including individuals, businesses, and other entities, has a duty of "ordinary care and skill' in the "management" of their 16property or person" - the long-established standard for negligence. This bill, which is identical to last year's AB 3172 (Lowenthal) as it passed out of this Committee, provides that a large social media platform that violates this duty and harms a minor is additionally liable for the higher of $5,000 per violation, with a per -child maximum of $1,000,000, or three times the amount of the child's actual Thank You Craig Durfey Founder of P.R.D.D.C. 016� 'Y ORANGE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT Improving health. Inspiring change. ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH RESOLUTION ADDRESSING SOCIAL MEDIA USE, SCREEN TIME, AND YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH WHEREAS, according to a recent survey one-third of all teens report being online and using social media platforms "almost constantly";' and WHEREAS, a 2023 U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory warned that while social media may offer benefits, there is growing evidence of risks to youth mental health including anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of sleep;2 and WHEREAS, studies have found correlations between time spent on social media and mental health including one study that found risk of anxiety and depression doubled in youth that spent more than three hours daily on social media;3 and WHEREAS, adolescence represents a critical time in the brain development and studies have reported social media may result in addictive behavior, decreased attention span, and lower test scores;4,5,6 and WHEREAS, growing reports suggest social media can expose youth to cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and heavily edited comparisons that can lead to eating disorders, body dissatisfaction, and suicidal ideation;6 and WHEREAS, evidence -based strategies to reduce the risks of social media include implementing device -free school policies, setting screen -time limits at home, avoiding screens before bedtime, and educating families about the psychological effects of social media;67 8 and WHEREAS, time spent on social media and screens decreases time for exercise, sleep, in -person time with friends, and other activities that are thought to improve mental health and healthy social development (for youth and adults).2,3,4,s,6 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED on this 26t" day of March 2025, that we the Orange County Board of Health: 1. Recognize social media use among youth as a significant public health concern and mental health risk. 2. Recommend parents and caregivers establish screen -time limits for their children/teens, particularly restricting device use on school nights and before bedtime, to promote healthy sleep habits. 3. Urge parents to consider delaying getting their children smartphones and exploring pledges with other parents like the "Wait Until 8th" initiative.9 4. Encourage parents and young people to explore the resources listed below to further understand the impact of digital technology on youth development. 5. Support "Away for the Day" policies in Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and Orange County Schools that restrict personal device use during school hours to support focus and well-being. 6. Suggest Orange County school districts or the county explore joining ongoing class action lawsuits against social media companies, with the goals of funding additional mental health services for youth and/or requiring social media companies to improve their age verification and parental controls.10 7. Support the countywide adoption of "Screen -Free Week" during May 5-11, 2025, as observed by Chapel Hill- Carrboro City Schools and encourage parents and children of the county to participate." 8. Support statewide legislation, such as Senate Bill 55, that would join NC with other states in requiring school districts to have policies around use of cellphones during the day and nationwide legislation that would require social media companies to have more effective age/parental consent verification. 12.13 9. Support educational efforts that inform families, schools, and policymakers about the risks of social media use and the importance of digital wellness. Alison Stuebe, MD, MSc QLYintana Stewart, MPA Chair, Orange County Board of Health Orange County Health Director 919 245 2405 > 300 West Tryon Street Hillsborough, NC 27278 > orangecountync.gov Page 1 of 2 ORANGE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT Improving health. Inspiring change. REFERENCES AND RESOURCES: 1. Sidoti, Michelle Faverio and Olivia. "Teens, Social Media and Technology 2024." Pew Research Center (blog), December 12, 2024. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2024/12/12/teens-social-media-and- technology-2024/. 2. U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health (2023). https://www. h hs.gov/surgeongeneral/reports-and-publications/youth-mental-health/social-media/i ndex. html 3. Riehm KE, Feder KA, Tormohlen KN, Crum RM, Young AS, Green KM, Pacek LR, La Flair LN, Mojtabai R. "Associations Between Time Spent Using Social Media and Internalizing and Externalizing Problems Among US Youth." JAMA Psychiatry. 2019 Dec 1;76(12):1266-1273. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.2325. https:// pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6739732/ 4. Lissak, Gadi. "Adverse Physiological and Psychological Effects of Screen Time on Children and Adolescents: Literature Review and Case Study." Environmental Research 164 (July 2018): 149-57. https://doi.org/10.1016/m.envres.2018.01.015. 5. Twenge, Jean. iGen: Why Today's Super -Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy --and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood --and What That Means for the Rest of Us. (2017). 6. Haidt, Jonathan. The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness. (2024). 7. Muppalla, Sudheer Kumar, Sravya Vuppalapati, Apeksha Reddy Pulliahgaru, and Himabindu Sreenivasulu. "Effects of Excessive Screen Time on Child Development: An Updated Review and Strategies for Management." Cureus 15, no. 6 (June 2023): e40608. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.40608. 8. American Psychological Association, "Health Advisory on Social Media Use in Adolescence" (2023). https://www.apa.org/topics/social-med ia-internet/health-advisory-adolescent-social-media-use 9. Wait Until 8th. "Wait Until 8th." Accessed March 19, 2025. https-//www.waituntil8th.org. "Wait Until 8th" Campaign, www.waituntil8th.org. 10. Scofield, Sydnee. "Wake County school board joins lawsuit against social media giants." ABC 11 News, February 20, 2024. Accessed March 20, 2025. https:Habcl l.com/social-media-lawsuit-wake-county-schools- board-of-ed ucation/ 14450653/ 11. Screen -Free Week. Accessed March 19, 2025. https://screenfree.org/about/ 12. "NC Senate Bill 55, Student Use of Wireless Communication Devices." NC General Assembly. Accessed March 19, 2025. https://www.ncleg.gov/BilILookUp/2025/S55 13. "Social Media and Children 2024 Legislation." National Conference of State Leg islatures.Accessed March 19, 2025. https://www.ncsl.org/technology-and-communication/social-media-and-children-2024-legislation. Scan this QR code with your phone or go to https://drive.google.com/file/d/l 6B1 FTyyRehshQKjldeM P19k5JZIzL05G/view?usp=sharing to access live resource links 919 245 2405 300 West Tryon Street Hillsborough, NC 27278 orangecountync.gov Page 2 of 2 Agenda Item Number: VIII.B. ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Meeting Date: Wednesday March 26t", 2025 Agenda Item Subject: Resolution Addressing Social Media Use, Screen Time, and Youth Mental Health Attachment(s): Resolution Addressing Social Media Use, Screen Time, and Youth Mental Health.doc Staff or Board Member Reporting: Jean Phillips -Weiner Purpose: X Action Information only Information with possible action Summary Information: The Behavioral Health Committee is putting forth a resolution recognizing social media use among youth as a significant public health concern and mental health risk and encouraging actions in Orange County to promote healthier boundaries around screens, including recognizing National Screen -Free Week countywide, encouraging parents to educate themselves and set boundaries around screens and social media with their children, and exploring the possibility of Orange County Government or the Orange County Schools (OCS) and Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) Systems joining a class-action lawsuit against Meta. Health Equity Impact: By elevating concerns about youth social media use to the Board of County Commissioners, more people are likely to be reached with messaging about the potential harms of social media and excessive screen use. Recommended Action: Approve X Approve & forward to Board of Commissioners for action Approve & forward to Accept as information Revise & schedule for future action Other (detail): ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH RESOLUTION ADDRESSING SOCIAL MEDIA USE, SCREEN TIME, AND YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH WHEREAS, according to a recent survey one third of all teens report being online and using social media platforms "almost constantly";' and WHEREAS, a 2023 U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory warned that while social media may offer benefits, there is growing evidence of risks to youth mental health including anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of sleep;Z and WHEREAS, studies have found correlations between time spent on social media and mental health including one study that found risk of anxiety and depression doubled in youth that spent more than three hours daily on social media; and WHEREAS, adolescence represents a critical time in the brain development and studies have reported social media may result in addictive behavior, decreased attention span, and lower test scores;""' and WHEREAS, growing reports suggest social media can expose youth to cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and heavily edited comparisons that can lead to eating disorders, body dissatisfaction, and suicidal ideation;' and WHEREAS, evidence -based strategies to reduce the risks of social media include implementing device -free school policies, setting screen -time limits at home, avoiding screens before bedtime, and educating families about the psychological effects of social media;',',' and WHEREAS, time spent on social media and screens decreases time for exercise, sleep, in -person time with friends, and other activities that are thought to improve mental health and healthy social development (for youth and adults).zs,a NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Health: 1. Recognizes social media use among youth as a significant public health concern and mental health risk. 2. Recommends parents and caregivers establish screen -time limits for their children/teens, particularly restricting device use on school nights and before bedtime, to promote healthy sleep habits. 3. Urges parents to consider delaying getting their children smartphones and exploring pledges with other parents like the "Wait Until 8th" initiative.' 4. Encourages parents to read the book The Anxious Generation and the other resources listed to further understand the impact of digital technology on youth development. 5. Supports "Away for the Day" policies in Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and Orange County Schools that restrict personal device use during school hours to support focus and well-being. 6. Suggests Orange County school districts or the county explore joining ongoing class action lawsuits against social media companies, with the goals of funding additional mental health services for youth and/or requiring social media companies to improve their age verification and parental controls.10 7. Supports the countywide adoption of "Screen -Free Week" during May 5-11, 2025 as observed by Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and encourages parents and children of the county to participate." 8. Supports statewide legislation, such as Senate Bill 55, that would join NC with other states in requiring school districts to have policies around use of cellphones during the day and nationwide legislation that would require social media companies to have more effective age/parental consent verification."," 9. Supports educational efforts that inform families, schools, and policymakers about the risks of social media use and the importance of digital wellness. Adopted this day of , 2025 Alison Stuebe, MD, MSc Chair, Orange County Board of Health Quintana Stewart, MPA Orange County Health Director REFERENCES AND RESOURCES: 1. Sidoti, Michelle Faverio and Olivia. "Teens, Social Media and Technology 2024." Pew Research Center (blog), December 12, 2024. https://www.12ewresearch.org/internet/2024/12/12/teens-social-media-and- technology-2024/. 2. U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health (2023). https: / /www.hhs.gov/ surgeongeneral /reports -and -publications /youth -mental -health / social- media/index.html 3. Riehm KE, Feder KA, Tormohlen KN, Crum RM, Young AS, Green KM, Pacek LR, La Flair LN, Mojtabai R. "Associations Between Time Spent Using Social Media and Internalizing and Externalizing Problems Among US Youth." JAMA Pgchiatry. 2019 Dec 1;76(12):1266-1273. doi: 10.1001 /jamapsychiatry.2019.2325. https: / /pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6739732/ 4. Lissak, Gadi. "Adverse Physiological and Psychological Effects of Screen Time on Children and Adolescents: Literature Review and Case Study." Environmental Research 164 Quly 2018): 149-57. https://doi.org/10.1 01 6/j. envres.2018.01.015. 5. Twenge, Jean. iGen: lYlhy Today's Super -Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy-- and Completely Unprepared forAdulthood--and Wlhat That Means for the Rest of Us. (2017). 6. Haidt, Jonathan. The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness. (2024). 7. Muppalla, Sudheer Kumar, Sravya Vuppalapati, Apeksha Reddy Pulliahgaru, and Himabindu Sreenivasulu. "Effects of Excessive Screen Time on Child Development: An Updated Review and Strategies for Management." Cureus 15, no. 6 (June 2023): e40608. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.40608. 8. American Psychological Association, "Health Advisory on Social Media Use in Adolescence" (2023). https: / /vww.apa.org/topics /social-media-internet/health-advisory-adolescent-social-media-use 9. Wait Until 8th. "Wait Until 8th." Accessed March 19, 2025. https://www.waituntil8th.org."Wait Until 8th" Campaign, www.waituntil81fi` .br 10. Scofield, Sydnee. "Wake County school board joins lawsuit against social media giants." ABC 11 News, February 20, 2024. Accessed March 20, 2025. https://abcll.com/social-media-lawsuit-wake-count schools -board -of -education/ 14450653 / 11. Screen -Free Week. Accessed March 19, 2025. https://screcnfree.org/about/ 12. "NC Senate Bill 55, Student Use of Wireless Communication Devices." NC General Assembly. Accessed March 19, 2025. https://wvw.ncleg..gov/BillLookUI2/2025/S55 13. "Social Media and Children 2024 Legislation." National Conference of State Legislatures. Accessed March 19, 2025. https://www.ncsl.org/technology-and-communication/social-media-and-children-2024-legislation. Date of Hearing: April 1, 2025 Fiscal: No AB 2 Page 1 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON PRIVACY AND CONSUMER PROTECTION Rebecca Bauer -Kahan, Chair AB 2 (Lowenthal) — As Amended March 17, 2025 PROPOSED AMENDMENTS SUBJECT: Injuries to children: civil penalties SYNOPSIS State law provides that everyone, including individuals, businesses, and other entities, has a duty of "ordinary care and skill " in the "management" of their ` property or person " — the long- established standard for negligence. This bill, which is identical to last year's AB 3172 (Lowenthal) as it passed out of this Committee, provides that a large social media platform that violates this duty and harms a minor is additionally liable for the higher of $5, 000 per violation, with a per -child maximum of $1,000,000, or three times the amount of the child's actual damages. The bill is sponsored by Common Sense Media and the Los Angeles County Office of Education, and supported by educational and children's safety groups. Proponents contend that augmented financial liability will incentivize platforms, who count their profits in the tens of billions, to proactively safeguard children against potential harm by changing how they operate their platforms. Opponents include TechNet, California Chamber of Commerce, Computer and Communications Industry Association, and Electronic Frontier Foundation. They argue, among other things, that the bill is largely preempted by federal law, will lead to a flood of unmeritorious litigation, and will restrict protected speech. Clean-up amendments are proposed in Comment #6. If passed by this Committee, this bill will next be heard by the Assembly Judiciary Committee. THIS BILL: 1) Finds and declares: a. Subdivision (a) of Section 1714 of the Civil Code already makes every person and corporation, including social media platforms, financially responsible for an injury occasioned to another by their want of ordinary care or skill in the management of their property or person. b. Children are uniquely vulnerable on social media platforms. c. The biggest social media platforms invent and deploy features they know injure large numbers of children, including contributing to child deaths. AB 2 Page 2 d. The costs of these injuries are unfairly being paid by parents, schools, and taxpayers, not the platforms. e. The bill is necessary to ensure that the social media platforms that are knowingly causing the most severe injuries to the largest number of children receive heightened damages to prevent injury from occurring to children in the first place. 2) Provides that a social media platform that violates subdivision (a) of Section 1714 and breaches its responsibility of ordinary care and skill to a child is, in addition to any other remedy, liable for statutory damages for the larger of the following: a. $5,000 per violation up to a maximum, per child, of $1,000,000. b. Three times the amount of the child's actual damages. 3) Makes waivers of the bill's provisions void and unenforceable. 4) Defines: a. "Child" as a minor under 18 years of age. b. "Social media platform" as a social media platform, as defined in Section 22675 of the Business and Professions Code (see below), that generates more than $100,000,000 per year in gross revenues. 5) States that the duties, remedies, and obligations imposed by the bill are cumulative to the duties, remedies, or obligations imposed under other laws and shall not be construed to relieve a social media platform from any duties, remedies, or obligations imposed under any other law. 6) Contains a severability clause and clarifies that its provisions do not apply to cases pending before January 1, 2026. EXISTING LAW: 1) Prohibits, under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, treating a provider or user of an interactive computer service as the publisher or speaker of any information provided by another information content provider. (47 U.S.C. § 230(c)(1).) 2) Defines "social media platform" as a public or semipublic intemet-based service or application that has users in California and that meets both of the following criteria: a. A substantial function of the service or application is to connect users in order to allow them to interact socially with each other within the service or application. (A service or application that provides email or direct messaging services does not meet this criterion based solely on that function.) b. The service or application allows users to do all of the following: Construct a public or semipublic profile for purposes of signing into and using the service or application. AB 2 Page 3 c. Populate a list of other users with whom an individual shares a social connection within the system. d. Create or post content viewable by other users, including, but not limited to, on message boards, in chat rooms, or through a landing page or main feed that presents the user with content generated by other users. (Bus. & Prof Code § 22675(f).) 3) Provides that everyone is responsible, not only for the result of their willful acts, but also for an injury occasioned by their want of ordinary care or skill in the management of their property or person, except so far as the latter has, willfully or by want of ordinary care, brought the injury upon themselves. (Civ. Code § 1714(a).) COMMENTS: 1) Author's statement. According to the author: AB 2 amends Section 1714 of the Civil Code by adding statutory damages against platforms that are found in court to be liable under current law for negligently causing harm to children under the age of 18. Under the bill, if a company is proven to have failed to exercise its already established duty of operating with ordinary care, the company becomes financially liable for a set amount of $5,000 per violation, up to a maximum penalty of $1 million per child, or three times the amount of the child's actual damages, whichever is applicable. This financial liability aims to incentivize platforms who count their profits in the tens of billions to proactively safeguard children against potential harm by changing how they operate their platforms. 2) Social media's impact on children. In May 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued an advisory warning of the potential mental health impacts of social media on young people) The advisory calls for more research and concludes that while "the current body of evidence indicates that while social media may have benefits for some children and adolescents, there are ample indicators that social media can also have a profound risk of harm to the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents."2 According to the Surgeon General, adolescents, in a critical formative period of brain development, are especially vulnerable to potential mental health impacts of social media.3 While noting that several complex factors shape social media's influence on children and adolescents, the Surgeon General points to two primary risk factors: 1) harmful content, and 2) excessive and problematic use. Harmful content. According to the Surgeon General, "extreme, inappropriate, and harmful content continues to be easily and widely accessible by children and adolescents" and is "spread '"Social Media and Youth Mental Health: The U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory" (May 23, 2023) p. 6 (emphasis added), https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/sgyouth-mental-health-social-media-advisory.pdf. ("Surgeon General's Advisory") 2 Id. at p. 4. ' "Extractive Technology is Damaging our Attention and Mental Health," Center for Humane Technology, https://www.humanetech.com/attention-mental-health. AB 2 Page 4 through direct pushes, unwanted content exchanges, and algorithmic designs."4 Such content includes: • Extreme content such as live depictions of self -harm acts, like asphyxiation or cutting, "which can normalize such behaviors, including through the formation of suicide pacts and posing of self -harm models for others to follow."5 • Bullying and harassment: roughly two-thirds of adolescents are "often" or "sometimes" exposed to hate -based content, with nearly 75% of adolescents stating that social media sites do a fair to poor job of addressing online harassment and bullying.6 • Predatory behaviors, including financial or sexual exploitation of children and adolescents; nearly 6-in-10 adolescent girls surveyed had received unwanted advances from strangers on social media platforms.7 Leaked internal platform studies indicate that youth exposure to unwanted, disturbing, graphic, or sexual content is common and facilitated by platform design.8 According to documents obtained by the Wall Street Journal, one in eight users under the age of 16 experienced unwanted sexual advances on Instagram, facilitated by lax privacy settings.9 Additionally, the advisory cites a synthesis of 20 studies demonstrating that many users, especially adolescent girls, experience envy and social comparison, leading to body dissatisfaction, disordered eating behaviors, and low self-esteem. "When asked about the impact of social media on their body image, nearly half (46%) of adolescents aged 13-17 said social media makes them feel worse, 40% said it makes them feel neither better nor worse, and only 14% said it makes them feel better."10 Internal studies by platforms also indicate similar patterns of social comparison, with negative effects on wellbeing.11 In an internal Meta study, younger and female users reported much greater rates of feeling "worse about yourself because of other 4 Surgeon General's Advisory, supra, at p. 8. s Ibid. 6 Alhajji et al., "Cyberbullying, Mental Health, and Violence in Adolescents and Associations With Sex and Race: Data From the 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Survey" Global pediatric health (2019), https://journals.saizepub.com/doi/10.1177/2333794X19868887; Vogels, "Teens and Cyberbullying," Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech (2022), https://www.pewresearch.org/intemet/2022/12/15/teens-and- cyberbullying-2022/. Nesi, et al. "Teens and mental health: How girls really feel about social media" Common Sense Media (2023), https://www.commonsensemedia. org/research/teens-and-mental-health-how-girls-really-feel-about-social-media. a "Minnesota Attorney General's Report on Emerging Technology and Its Effects on Youth Well -Being" (Feb. 2025), p. 10-11. https://www.a,g.state.mn.us/Office/Reports/Emer,gingTechnology 2025.pdf. ("Minnesota Attorney General's Report") 9 Jeff Horwitz, "His Job Was to Make Instagram Safe for Teens. His 14-Year-Old Showed Him What the App Was Really Like" The Wall Street Journal (Nov. 2, 2023), https://www.wsi.com/tech/instagram-facebook-teens- harassment-safety-5d991bel?mod=hp_featst pos3. 10 Bickham et al., "Adolescent Media Use: Attitudes, Effects, and Online Experiences" Boston Children's Hospital Digital Wellness Lab (2022), https://digitalwellnesslab.orgLyMcontent/uploads/Pulse-Survey Adolescent-Attitudes- Effectsand-Experiences.pdf . " Minnesota Attorney General's Report, supra, p. 11-12. AB 2 Page 5 peoples' posts on Instagram," with 27.4% of 13-15 year old females reporting this experience over a 7-day period, compared to 14.6% of males in the same age group.12 Excessive and problematic use. The advisory cites studies showing that on a typical weekday, nearly one in three adolescents report using screens — most commonly social media — until midnight or later.13 One third or more of girls aged 11-15 feel "addicted" to certain platforms. Excessive use correlates with attention problems, feelings of exclusion, and sleep problems.14 Poor sleep, in turn, is linked with neurological development issues, depression, and suicidality.15 These findings are borne out by the observations of platforms themselves: internal Meta research detailed in a recent lawsuit concluded that "when social media use displaces sleep in adolescents, it is negatively correlated to indicators of mental health."16 Excessive use is driven in part by systems that are optimized to maximize user engagement through design features, such as recommendation algorithms, likes, push notifications, auto -play, and endless scroll.'? According to a former social media company executive's statements, such features were designed intentionally to increase time spent through features that "give you a little dopamine hit every once in awhile."' 8 These features "can trigger pathways comparable to addiction."19 Young people with still -developing pre -frontal cortexes who crave social reward and lack inhibition are especially susceptible.20 3) Negligence. Civil Code section 1714(a) provides: `Everyone is responsible, not only for the result of his or her willful acts, but also for an injury occasioned to another by his or her want of ordinary care or skill in the management of his or her property or person, except so far as the latter has, willfully or by want of ordinary care, brought the injury upon himself or herself." To establish negligence, "the plaintiff must show that the defendant had a duty to use due care, that he breached that duty, and that the breach was the proximate or legal cause of the resulting injury. ,21 "A duty exists only if `the plaintiffs interests are entitled to legal protection against the defendant's conduct. ,,22 "`[A]s a general matter, there is no duty to act to protect others from the conduct of third parties. `23 However, "[i]n a case involving harm caused by a third party, a person may have an affirmative duty to protect the victim of another's harm if that person is in what the law calls a `special relationship' with either the victim or the person who created the "Arizona et al. v. Meta Platforms, Inc., et al., Case No. 4:23-cv-05448, Complaint (N.D. Cal. Oct. 24, 2023), https://storage. courtlistener. com/recap/gov.uscourts.nmd.496039/gov.uscourts. nmd.496039.36.2.pdf. 13 Rideout, V., & Robb, M. B. "Social media, social life: Teens reveal their experiences" Common Sense Media (2018), https://www.commonsensemedia.org/sites/default/files/research/report/2018-social-mediasocial-life- executive-summary-web.pdf. 14 Surgeon General's Advisory, supra, at p. 10. 11 Ibid. 16 Arizona et al. v. Meta Platforms, Inc., supra. 17 Burhan & Moradzadeh, "Neurotransmitter Dopamine and its Role in the Development of Social Media Addiction" 11 Journal of Neurology & Neurophysiology 507 (2020), https://www.iomcworld.org/open- access/neurotransmitter-dopamine-da-and-its-role-in-the-development-of-social-mediaaddiction.pdf 18 Alex Hem, `Never get high on your own supply' — why social media bosses don't use social media," The Guardian (Jan. 23, 2018), https://www.theguardian.com/media/2018/jan/23/never- eg t high-on-your-own-supply- why-social-media-bosses-dont-use-social-media. " Surgeon General's Advisory, supra, at p. 9. 20 Ibid. 21 Nally v. Grace Community Church (1988) 47 Ca1.3d 278, 292. 22 Brown v. USA Taekwondo (2021) 11 Cal.5th 204, 213, internal quotes omitted. 23 Id. at p. 214. AB 2 Page 6 harm. ,24 A special relationship "`gives the victim a right to expect' protection from the defendant, while a special relationship between the defendant and the dangerous third party is one that `entails an ability to control [the third party's] conduct.',,21 4) This bill augments liability for social media platforms that negligently harm children. This bill provides that a social media platform that violates Section 1714(a) and breaches its responsibility of ordinary care and skill to a child — defined as a minor under 18 years of age — is, in addition to any other remedy, liable for statutory damages for the larger of- * $5,000 per violation up to a per -child maximum of $1,000,000; or • Three times the amount of the child's actual damages. A social media platform for these purposes is one that meets an existing statutory definition and generates more than $100,000,000 per year in gross revenues. The bill would also provide that any waivers of the bill's provisions are void and unenforceable as contrary to public policy. The bill is identical to last year's AB 3172 as it passed this Committee, by an 11-0 vote. The bill was amended in Senate Appropriations to apply only to knowing and willful failure to exercise ordinary care to a child, cap statutory damages at $250,000, and require no less than 51 % of the penalties to go to a state fund dedicated to raising awareness among adolescents on safe social media use. The bill was moved to the Senate's inactive file. 5) Constitutional considerations. Opponents of the bill raise concerns relating to freedom of speech and federal preemption. First Amendment. The United States and California Constitutions prohibit abridging, among other fundamental rights, freedom of speech.26 "The Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment ... can serve as a defense in state tort suits."21 "[T]he basic principles of freedom of speech and the press, like the First Amendment's command, do not vary when a new and different medium for communication appears."28 Additionally, "the creation and dissemination of information are speech ...... 29 Dissemination of speech is different from "expressive conduct," which is conduct that has its own expressive purpose and may be entitled to First Amendment protection.30 Laws that are not content specific are generally subject to "intermediate scrutiny," which requires that the law "be `narrowly tailored to serve a significant government interest. ,,31 In other words, the law "`need not be the least restrictive or least intrusive means of serving the government's interests," but "`may not regulate expression in such a manner that a substantial portion of the burden on speech does not serve to advance its goals. `32 This bill does not 24 Id. at p. 215. 25 Id. at p. 216. 26 U.S. Const., 1st and 14th Amends; Cal. Const. art. I, § 2. 21 Snyder v. Phelps (2011) 562 U.S. 443, 451. 28 Joseph Burstyn v. Wilson (1952) 343 U.S. 495, 503. 29 Sorrell v. IMS Health Inc. (2011) 564 U.S. 552, 570. 30 Ibid. 31 Packingham v. North Carolina (2017) 582 U.S. 98, 98. 32 McCullen v. Coakley (2014) 573 U.S. 464, 486, emphasis added. AB 2 Page 7 regulate expression; it augments liability for large platforms that violate an existing duty and harm children. Federal preemption. Section 230(c)(1) of the federal Communications Decency Act of 1996 shields online platforms from liability for third -party content: "No provider or user of an interactive computer service shall be treated as the publisher or speaker of any information provided by another information content provider."33 This provision has been hailed as the law that created the modern internet, fostering free expression online and allowing an array of innovative services and spaces to flourish, from search engines to social media.34 It has also come with a destructive side, absolving platforms of responsibility for virtually all third -party harms arising from the use of their services — "a protection not available to print material or television broadcasts."35 Section 230 was intended to promote investment in online companies and encourage "`Good Samaritan' blocking and screening of offensive material" 36 without fear of liability for defamation.37 Courts soon adopted an expansive interpretation — a key early decision construed "publisher" immunity as encompassing "traditional editorial functions" such as deciding whether to publish, remove, or even alter content.38 Consequently, the plaintiff, a victim of online defamation by an anonymous user, had no recourse against the platform despite its failure to timely remove the content, which would have resulted in liability in the offline world. Following this logic, courts have extended Section 230 well beyond the defamation context, routinely concluding that online intermediaries are not liable for harms related to third -party illicit content.39 "The common thread weaving through these cases is that the courts have sapped §230's Good Samaritan concept of its meaning."40 This sweeping grant of immunity has been the subject of widespread criticism and calls for reform.41 Senators Lindsey Graham and Dick Durbin are planning to introduce a bill that would sunset Section 230.42 Justice Clarence Thomas has called for the Supreme Court to review the scope of Section 230.43 Ninth Circuit Judge Ryan Nelson recently stated that courts have "stretch[ed] the statute's plain meaning beyond recognition," leading to "perverse effects. ,44 The 33 42 U.S.C. § 230(c)(1). Section 230 also (1) provides a safe harbor for good faith content moderation, (2) preempts contrary state laws, and (3) enumerates exemptions for enforcement of federal criminal statutes, intellectual property laws, communications privacy laws, and sex trafficking. 34 See e.g., Kosseff, The Twenty -Six Words that Created the Internet (2019). " Quinta Jurecic, "The politics of Section 230 reform: Learning from FOSTA's mistakes" Brookings (Mar. 1, 2022), https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-politics-of-section-230-reform-learning-from-fostas-mistakes. 36 § 230(c). 37 Fair Hous. Council v. Roommates.com, LLC (9th Cir. 2008) 521 F.3d 1157, 1163. 38 Zeran v. Am. Online, Inc (4th Cir. 1997) 129 F.3d 327. 39 Michael Rustad & Thomas Koenig, "The Case for a CDA Section 230 Notice -and -Takedown Duty" (2023) 23 Nev.L.J. 533, 561-574. 4' Danielle Keats Citron, "How to Fix Section 230" (2023) 103 B.U.L. Rev. 713, 727. 41 E.g., John Lucas, "AG Moody Joins with Other Attorneys General to Urge Congress to Stop Protecting Illegal Activity on the Net," Capitolist (May 23, 2019), https://thecapitolist.com/ag moody -joins -with -other -attorney general-to-urge-congress-to-stop-protecting-ille gal -activity -on -the -net. 42 Lauren Feiner, "Lawmakers are tyring to repeal section 230 again" The Verge (Mar. 21, 2025), https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/govemment/lawmakers-are-try -tg o-repeal-section-230-again/ar- AA 1 BptA1?ocid=BingNews V erp. 43 Doe ex rel. Roe v. Snap, Inc. (2024) 144 S. Ct. 2493 (Thomas, J., dissenting from denial of certiorari). 44 Calise v. Meta Platforms, Inc. (9th Cir. 2024) 103 FAth 732, 747 (Nelson, J. concurring) (Calise). AB 2 Page 8 Ninth Circuit "should revisit our precedent," he urged, particularly in light of "artificial intelligence raising the specter of lawless and limitless protections."" Courts have emphasized, however, that Section 230 immunity is not limitless.46 Section 230 is not "an all-purpose get -out -of -jail -free card'47 that "create[s] a lawless no-man's-land on the internet. `48 The Ninth Circuit has "consistently eschewed an expansive reading of the statute that would render unlawful conduct `magically ... lawful when [conducted] online,' and therefore `giv[ing] online businesses an unfair advantage over their real -world counterparts. `49 Under Ninth Circuit precedent, Section 230(c)(1) immunity exists for "(1) a provider or user of an interactive computer service (2) whom a plaintiff seeks to treat, under a state law cause of action, as a publisher or speaker (3) of information provided by another information content provider."50 With respect to the third prong, Section 230 protection extends only to claims that "derive[] from the defendant's status or conduct as a publisher or speaker."51 If, instead, the claim "springs from something separate from the defendant's status as a publisher, such as from. .. obligations the defendant has in a different capacity," Section 230 immunity does not apply.52 Examples of such cases involving negligence include: • A networking website owner's negligent failure to warn a woman who was raped by two users of the website who posed as talent scouts to lure her to a fake audition, where it was alleged that an outside source had informed the owner about the predatory scheme.53 • Snap's allegedly defectively -designed app, which promoted content that encouraged two teen boys who died in a high-speed car accident to drive at dangerous speeds.54 While these cases are highly fact -specific and there are precedents to the contrary,55 these cases show that negligence claims against social media platforms can survive a Section 230 defense. 6) Amendments. The author has agreed to the following technical clean-up amendments: (a) A social media platform that violates subdivision (a) of Section 1714 and br-eaehe responsibility of or-dinafy ear-e and skill by causing injury to a child shall, in addition to any thee- ,-emed y, be liable for statutory damages for the larger of the following: (b) Any waiver of this s4divisie section shall be void and unenforceable as contrary to public policy. 41 Ibid. 46 Calise, supra, 103 FAth at p. 739, citing cases. 47 Doe v. Internet Brands, Inc. (9th Cir. 2016) 824 F.3d 846, 853. 48 HomeAway.com v. City of Santa Monica (9th Cir. 2018) 918 F.3d 676, 683. 49 Ibid. so Barnes v. Yahoo!, Inc. (9th Cir. 2009) 570 F.3d 1096, 1109. 51 Id. at p. 1102. 51 Calise, supra, 103 FAth at p. 742. 53 Doe v. Internet Brands, Inc., supra, 824 F.3d at pp. 852-853. 54 Lemmon v. Snap, Inc. (9th Cir. 2021) 995 F.3d 1085, 1092. 15 Doe v. MySpace, Inc. (5th Cir. 2008) 528 F.3d 413. AB 2 Page 9 ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT. The Los Angeles County Office of Education, co-sponsors of the bill, write: Social media platforms must be held accountable for the harm they cause, particularly to minors who are uniquely vulnerable to the harmful effects of online engagement. Research has repeatedly shown the detrimental impact of social media on young people's mental health, contributing to a range of issues, including increased instances of cyberbullying, mental health crises, and even acts of violence. While social media platforms prioritize user engagement and growth, they often fail to adequately consider the safety and wellness of younger users. Given this imbalance, it is crucial that social media companies are required to uphold a standard of ordinary care in their management of content and interactions involving minors. This bill would establish much - needed accountability by holding social media platforms liable for civil penalties if they fail to exercise the necessary care to protect children on their platforms. Just as institutions and businesses serving youth are held accountable for ensuring the safety and well-being of their patrons, social media companies should be held to the same standard. AB 2 represents an important step toward protecting the mental and physical health of children and ensuring that platforms act responsibly toward the younger population that depends on them. Children's Advocacy Institute writes: Making platforms pay more if a court finds they have negligently hurt children is not in any way, shape, or form burdensome or unfair to stubbornly bad acting platforms. As the former, long-time Chair of the Orange County Republican Party, Fred Whitaker, wrote in supporting a similar bill before this Committee last year: Thus, all the opposition to this bill needs to do to avoid any prospect of liability under the bill is simply exercise reasonable care not to harm children. Surely, a company like Meta which in 2021 earned an incredible $100 billion profit (General Motors which we used to think of as a big company earned 10 billion) can afford to exercise such care. If it doesn't, it should pay for the harm it causes. That's the American way. ARGUMENTS IN OPPOSITION. In opposition to the bill, TechNet, California Chamber of Commerce, and Computer and Communications Industry Association jointly write: To the extent this bill provides an incentive for platforms to change their policies and features, the extreme risk of liability will likely result in companies severely limiting or completely eliminating online spaces for teens. Litigation leads to uneven and inconsistent outcomes, with different companies choosing to limit the immense exposure this bill will create in different ways. There are two main ways AB 2 Page 10 platforms could respond to the vague requirements and extreme liability in this bill, neither of which are good outcomes for teens. First, companies could adjust their policies and terms of service to exclude all users under the age of 18. This would be a tremendous and detrimental blow to teens' ability to access information and the open internet. As discussed below, this violates First Amendment principles and protections for teens. However, even if a platform stated in its terms of service that teens under 18 were not allowed on the platform and took steps to prevent their access, that may not be enough to avoid liability for a teen who accesses the site anyway and has a negative outcome. Second, companies could also adjust their terms of service so that users under the age of 18 have a heavily sanitized version of the platform. This could include limiting which users teens can interact with (e.g. only users approved by parents), which features they have access to (no messaging or public posting), and even what content they can interact with or view (no political, news, or other "potentially harmful" content). This might reduce but would not prevent every instance of harm to teens given the nebulousness and subjectivity that is inherent in defining "harm". This bill's implicit concern is harmful content. It is impossible for companies to identify and remove every potentially harmful piece of content because there's no clear consensus on what exactly constitutes harmful content, apart from clearly illicit content. Determining what is harmful is highly subjective and varies from person to person, making it impossible to make such judgments on behalf of millions of users. Faced with this impossible task and the liability imposed by this bill, some platforms may decide to aggressively over restrict content that could be considered harmful for teens. For instance, content promoting healthy eating could be restricted due to concerns it could lead to body image issues. Similarly, content about the climate crisis or foreign conflicts would need to be restricted as it could lead to depression, anxiety, and self -harm. Additionally, beneficial information like anti -drug or smoking cessation programs, mental health support, and gender identity resources could get overregulated because of the impossibility of deciding what is harmful to every user. Furthermore, platforms would need to evaluate whether to eliminate fundamental features and functions of their platform, features that are the reason teens and users go to their platforms, due to the legal risk involved. For instance, since direct messaging features could potentially be misused for contacting and bullying other teens, such features would likely be removed. Teens' use of these platforms would be overly policed and sanitized to such a degree that they would surely leave our sites in favor of others that don't meet AB 2's $100 million revenue threshold. Collectively, our organizations represent platforms that take their responsibility to their users incredibly seriously and have devoted millions of dollars to increasing the safety and enjoyment of their platforms. Teens will seek out the ability to interact online, whether it is on our platforms or on others, including ones that don't prioritize their safety and well-being. Electronic Frontier Foundation adds: AB 2 Page 11 The heavy statutory damages imposed by A.B. 2 will result in broad censorship via scores of lawsuits that may claim any given content online is harmful to any child. California should not enact a law that would be more harmful to children and will not be enforceable in any event. Further, should it become law, it will also be ineffective because federal law preempts Californian's ability to hold online services civilly liable for harm caused by user -generated content. REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION: Support Common Sense Media Los Angeles County Office of Education (Sponsor) California Charter Schools Association Childrens Advocacy Institute Jewish Family and Children's Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties Organization for Social Media Safety Opposition CalChamber Computer & Communications Industry Association Electronic Frontier Foundation Technet-technology Network Analysis Prepared by: Josh Tosney / P. & C.P. / (916) 319-2200 AB 2 Page 1 Date of Hearing: April 8, 2025 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY Ash Kalra, Chair AB 2 (Lowenthal) — As Amended April 3, 2025 SUBJECT: INJURIES TO CHILDREN: CIVIL PENALTIES KEY ISSUE: SHOULD SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS BE LIABLE FOR SPECIFIED STATUTORY DAMAGES FOR BREACHING THEIR DUTY OF ORDINARY CARE AND SKILL TO A CHILD BY CAUSING INJURY TO THE CHILD? SYNOPSIS Social media has become a ubiquitous element of our society. Across platforms, social media is used as a tool to establish and maintain personal relationships; keep up to date with current events; engage in political organizing; and develop professional relationships. In the United States alone, approximately 70 percent of people use some form of social media. These demographics broken down by age demonstrate a significant percentage of younger users. This bill presents the latest approach to the issue of social media platforms' responsibility to these younger users by imposing statutory damages on social media platforms who breach their duty of ordinary care and skill in relation to a minor. Like a number of its predecessors, including the author's practically identical version from just last year, the current measure seeks to squarely situate social media platforms' liability within existing parameters of tort law. This bill is sponsored by Common Sense Media and supported by the California Charter Schools Association, the California Initiative for Technology and Democracy (CITED), the Children's Advocacy Institute, the Consumer Federation of California, the Jewish Family and Children 's Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties, the Los Angeles County Office of Education, and the Organization for Social Media Safety. It is opposed by a coalition of tech -industry and advocates led TechNet, and the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF). The bill was previously heard by the Assembly Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection where it was approved on a vote of 9-0. SUMMARY: Provides for statutory penalties available in a negligence cause of action brought on behalf of a child -user of a social media platform for harm caused by the platform. Specifically, this bill: 1) Makes findings and declarations regarding the duty of care imposed on everyone by Civil Code Section 1714 (a) and the risks to children on social media platforms. 2) Authorizes recovery of the larger of the following in a successful claim against a social media platform that alleges the platform violated Civil Code Section 1714 (a) by causing injury to a child: a) Five thousand dollars ($5,000) per violation up to a maximum, per child, of one million dollars ($1,000,000); b) Three times the amount of the child's actual damages; AB 2 Page 2 3) Makes any waiver of 2) void and unenforceable as contrary to public policy. 4) Defines the following: a) "Child" means a minor under 18 years of age; b) "Social media platform" means a social media platform, as defined in Section 22675 of the Business and Professions Code, that generates more than one hundred million dollars ($100,000,000) per year in gross revenues. 5) Establishes that the duties, remedies, and obligations imposed by the provisions of the bill are cumulative to the duties, remedies or obligations under other law and shall not be construed to relieve a social media platform from any duties, remedies, or obligations imposed under any other law. 6) Includes a severability clause. EXISTING LAW: 1) Establishes, under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, that no provider or user of an interactive computer service shall be treated as the publisher or speaker of any information provided by another information content provider. (47 U.S.C. Section 230(c)(1).) 2) Provides that every person is responsible, not only for the result of their willful acts, but also for an injury occasioned to another by the person's want of ordinary care or skill in the management of their property or person, except so far as the latter has, willfully or by want of ordinary care, brought the injury upon themselves. (Civil Code Section 1714 (a).) 3) Defines "social media platform" as a public or semipublic internet-based service or application that has users in California and meets specified criteria. (Business and Professions Code Section 22945.) FISCAL EFFECT: As currently in print this bill is keyed non -fiscal. COMMENTS: Social media has become a ubiquitous element of our society. Across platforms, social media is used as a tool to establish and maintain personal relationships; keep up to date with current events; engage in political organizing; and develop professional relationships. In the United States alone, approximately 70 percent of people use some form of social media. These demographics, when broken down by age, include a significant percentage of younger users. Approximately 84 percent of people between the ages of 18 and 29 years use at least one social media site, while the utilization rate for those between the ages of 50 to 84 years drops to 73 percent. Participation rates also vary between the social media platforms themselves. For example, while 65 percent of users between 18 and 29 years use Snapchat, only 42 percent have Twitter accounts. Perhaps particularly relevant to this bill, over 70 percent of 18 to 29 year -olds use Instagram, while that number drops to 48 percent for those between 30 to 49 years, and to 29 percent for those between the ages of 50 and 64. (Social Media Fact Sheet, (April 7, 2021) Pew Research Center available at: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/social-media/.) As usage of social media apps and websites has grown, so has the research on its consequences. The prevalence of social media in daily life impacts all demographics but has had, perhaps predictably, an outsized effect on younger populations. AB 2 Page 3 Over the course of the last few years, the Legislature has evaluated a substantial number of bills attempting to hold social media platforms accountable for harms caused to minors who use their products. Bills have taken a variety of approaches, including attempting to make platforms liable for addicting children (AB 2408 (Cunningham, 2022)); requiring platforms that provide services to children to comply with certain safety requirements (AB 2273 (Wicks, 2022)); establishing reporting mechanisms to facilitate removal of child pornography on platforms (AB 1394 (Wicks, 2023)); authorizing individuals to bring claims against entities that distribute child pornography (SB 646 (Cortese, 2023)); and making platforms liable for features that cause harm to child users (SB 680 (Skinner, 2023)). Last year, the author shepherded a measure nearly identical to this bill through the Legislature (AB 3172), which died on the Senate Floor. According to the author: [AB 2] amends Section 1714 only by adding statutory damages against platforms that are found in court to be liable under current law for negligently causing harm to children under the age of 18. Under the bill, if a company is proven to have failed to exercise its already established duty of operating with ordinary care, the company becomes financially liable for a set amount of $5,000 per violation, up to a maximum penalty of $1 million per child, or three times the amount of the child's actual damages, whichever is applicable. This financial liability aims to incentivize platforms who count their profits in the tens of billions to proactively safeguard children against potential harm by changing how they operate their platforms. This bill presents the latest approach to the issue of quantifying social media platform's responsibility to its young users. The bill imposes statutory damages on social media platforms who breach their duty of ordinary care and skill to a minor. Like a number of its predecessors, the current measure seeks to squarely situate social media platforms' liability within existing parameters of tort law. The bill does so by cross-referencing Civil Code section 1714 (a), which provides that "[e]veryone is responsible, not only for the result of his or her willful acts, but also for an injury occasioned to another by his or her want of ordinary care or skill in the management of his or her property or person, except so far as the latter has, willfully or by want of ordinary care, brought the injury upon himself or herself." The text of this bill is fairly straightforward. In a new section immediately after Civil Code Section 1714, the bill makes a social media platform that violates subdivision (a) of Section 1714 by causing injury to a child liable for statutory damages for the larger of the following: 1) Five thousand dollars per violation up to a per -child maximum of one million dollars; 2) Three times the amount of the child's actual damages The bill defines social media platform as a public or semipublic internet-based service or application that has users in California and meets specified criteria regarding their function, and generates more than one hundred million dollars per year. Section 230 of the Federal Communications Decency Act. The federal Communications Decency Act (CDA) provides that "[n]o provider or user of an interactive computer service shall be treated as the publisher or speaker of any information provided by another information content provider," and affords broad protection from civil liability for the good faith content moderation decisions of interactive computer services. (47 U.S.C. Sec. 230(c)(1) and (2).) AB 2 Page 4 Though Section 230 was originally passed in response to judicial inconsistency with respect to the liability of internet service providers under statutes pertaining to "publishers" of content created by others, it has since been interpreted to confer operators of social media platforms and other online services with broad immunity from liability for content posted by others. Section 230 also indicates that "[n]othing in this section shall be construed to prevent any State from enforcing any State law that is consistent with this section," but further provides that "[n]o cause of action may be brought and no liability may be imposed under any State or local law that is inconsistent with this section." (47 U.S.C. Sec. 230(e)(3).) The latter provision has generally been interpreted to expressly preempt any state law that has the effect of treating a social media or other online platform as the publisher of information posted by other users, including prescriptive requirements relating to content moderation. This is consistent with the law's original intent, which was to ensure that internet platforms facilitating the sharing of content can do so without considerable risk of liability in the event that content is not meticulously policed. Since the development of social media platforms, the extent of Section 230's immunity shield has been heavily litigated. Questions have arisen regarding what elements of a user's experience and therefore of a social media platform's business model, benefit from Section 230, and which fall outside its scope. In Fair Housing Council v. Roommates.com, LLC, Roommates.com was sued by a coalition of fair housing councils in California for allegedly violating the federal Fair Housing Act and state housing discrimination laws. (Fair Housing Council of San Fernando Valley v. Roommates.com, LLC, 521 F.3d 1157 (2007).) The claim was based largely on the website's search function which appeared to prefer certain profiles over others, seemingly on the basis of elements of the user's identity, including their gender and sexual orientation, which were collected by Roommate.com through a mandatory questionnaire developed by the website. The District Court ruled in favor of Roommates.com, holding that the website was protected by Section 230. The councils subsequently appealed to the Ninth Circuit, which held that the website's use of the information they required users to submit in order to utilize the website rendered Roommate.com outside the protection of Section 230. In its analysis, the court reasoned that a "website operator can be both a service provider and a content provider: If it passively displays content that is created entirely by third parties, then it is only a service provider with respect to that content. But as to content that it creates itself, or is `responsible, in whole or in part' for creating or developing, the website is also a content provider." (Roommates.com, LLC, 521 F.3d at p. 1163 (2007).) With regard to Roommate.com's own role in developing the users' profiles, the court argued, "Roommate is `responsible' at least `in part' for each subscriber's profile page, because ever such page is a collaborative effort between Roommate and the subscriber." (Id. at p. 1167) Two years later in Barnes v. Yahoo! Inc., the Ninth Circuit established a three-part test for determining whether a website benefits from the liability shield of Section 230. According to Barnes, Section 230 "only protects from liability (1) a provider or user of an interactive computer service (2) whom a plaintiff seeks to treat, under a state law cause of action, as a publisher or speaker (3) of information provided by another information content provider." (Barnes v. Yahoo! Inc., 570 F.3d 1096, 1100 - 1101 (2009).) In 2023, the Court issued a decision in a pair of cases addressing the same practice — Twitter v. Taamneh and Google v. Gonzalez. In November 2015, the Islamic State (ISIS) took responsibility for a series of coordinated terrorist attacks in Paris. Among the at least 130 people killed was 23-year-old American Nohemi Gonzalez. Shortly after Nohemi's death, her father AB 2 Page 5 filed suit against Google, Twitter, and Facebook, arguing that the platforms were liable for aiding and abetting international terrorism by failing to appropriately respond to, or address, terrorist organizations' use of their services. (They additionally argued that Google was not immune under Section 230 because their algorithm recommended ISIS videos to their users who ultimately conducted the acts of terrorism. The petitioners lost in both district court and on appeal to the Ninth Circuit, and subsequently appealed to the United States Supreme Court. In June, 2023, the Court issued its decision in both matters, holding that "the failure to allege that the platforms here do more than transmit information by billions of people — most of whom use the platforms for interactions that once took place via mail, on the phone, or in public areas — is insufficient to state a claim that defendants knowingly gave substantial assistance and thereby aided and abetted ISIS' acts. A contrary conclusion would effectively hold any sort of communications provider liable for any sort of wrongdoing merely for knowing that the wrongdoers were using its services and failing to stop them." (Twitter, Inc. v. Taamneh, (2023) 143 S. Ct. 1206, 1213.) In issuing its ruling the Court never reached the question of whether Section 230 shielded platforms from liability, and instead only adjudicated the question of whether either platform was liable under the Antiterrorism Act as aiders and abettors. However, the same logic would seem to apply for both questions. While we cannot assume how the Court would rule on the matter, it seems likely that it would hold on a similar line of reasoning. The extensive jurisprudence relating to liability of a social media platform for content distributed by a user on the site that may have led to injury appears to bolster the immunity conferred by Section 230. However, the question over whether choices made by the platform itself, is not quite so straightforward. In Lemmon v. Snap, Snap (commonly known as Snapchat) attempted to argue that the CDA immunized them from liability in a negligent design lawsuit. (Lemmon v. Snap, Inc. (2021) 995 F.3d 1085.) In Lemmon, the plaintiff -parents' children were tragically killed in a car accident. At the time of the accident, one of the young men, Landen Brown, opened Snapchat, and used a feature called the "Speed Filter," which allowed users to superimpose the speed the user is going at the time of the image or video is taken. At the time of the accident, the boys were going as fast as 123 miles per hour. The parents claim against Snapchat focused, not on Landen's video, but on the "Speed Filter," and that Snapchat "allegedly knew or should have known that its users believed [that Snapchat will reward them for `recording a 100-MPH or faster [s]nap"' using the filter. (Id. at pp. 5- 6.) In response, Snap argued that Section 230 shielded them from liability for the publication of third party materials, in this case referring to the image with the superimposed speed. (Id. at pp. 1090 — 1091.) The Ninth Circuit applied the three -pronged test set forth by Barnes v. Yahoo! Inc. (2009) 570 F.3d 1096 described above. (Id. at p. 1091) The court ultimately decided against Snap "because the Parents' claim turns on Snap's design of Snapchat." (Id. at p. 1092.) While the merits of the parents' claim in Lemmon were not ultimately adjudicated, nonetheless this case may indicate that basing liability on a platform's own feature that they knew or reasonably should have known would be a substantial factor in causing harm to its users may preserve a law from being struck down under a Section 230 preemption argument. The opposition argues that the bill violates Section 230, because it "effectively assumes that all features are harmful and imposes liability on a site for offering any of those features to children." It is possible this bill presents an opportunity for plaintiffs to bring claims more akin to Lemmon than Twitter v. Taamneh, particularly considering that the language of the measure itself includes AB 2 Page 6 no reference to specific types of content. Ultimately, as with numerous measures introduced in the Legislature each year, whether or not this bill survives legal challenge is a question to be answered by the courts. First Amendment Concerns. The First Amendment of the United States Constitution provides that, "Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press." As applied to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment, and as interpreted by the courts, the First Amendment prohibits any law or policy, at any level of government, from abridging freedom of speech. Legislation seeking to regulate speech can generally be distinguished as either content - based or content -neutral. Content -based laws, or laws that target a particular type of speech, must meet a strict scrutiny standard and must therefore be the least restrictive means to achieve a compelling government purpose in order to withstand legal challenge. Content neutral laws, on the other hand, or laws which serve a purpose unrelated to the speech itself, need only pass intermediate scrutiny. Under this standard, the law "need not be the least restrictive or least intrusive means of serving the government's interests," but "may not regulate expression in a manner that a substantial portion of the burden on speech does not serve to advance its goals." It is also possible for a law that is facially neutral on the issue of speech may nonetheless violate the First Amendment if it creates a "chilling effect." Both organizations opposed to AB 2 argue that this bill runs afoul of the First Amendment. EFF contends: Under AB 2, allowing online discussion of these higher -risk activities could lead to court - imposed penalties for the online information provider based on claims that discussing these activities online harmed a child. That's a big problem for every Californian's ability to access information online. It's also a First Amendment violation. Requiring platforms to apply the vague standard of `ordinary care and skill' is subjective and depends on many factors. The state cannot enact a law that forces online services to steer clear of conversations about controversial or benign topics such as LGBTQ+ youth or high school football, the overwhelming majority of which will be protected speech. Relatedly, the state cannot set up a legal regime that allows anyone to seek to censor speech they disagree with or view as dangerous. Nothing in the text of the bill imposes a requirement on social media platforms to avoid specific topics or content. Rather, EFF's argument appears to be that that the economic risk of hosting content that may cause harm to a child is so significant that social media platforms will overcorrect and in so doing result in a silencing of particular conversations on the platform: "allowing online discussion of these higher -risk activities could lead to court -imposed penalties for the online information provider based on claims that discussing these activities online harmed a child." It is worthwhile to note that any legislation imposing requirements or potential liability on a social media platform risks a chilling effect. Whether or not the current measure, and the liability it proposes, would inevitably cause a chilling effect and thus violate the First Amendment depends in no small part in the success rate of claims brought under the bill's provisions and thus the actual liability to platforms. As discussed throughout this analysis, platforms would only face actual liability if a plaintiff is able to bring a successful claim. If a claim is barred under either Section 230 or the First Amendment, they would be dismissed and no liability would attach. AB 2 Page 7 While this analysis is free to speculate on whether the bill violates the First Amendment, much like the question of whether the bill is preempted by Section 230, the constitutional validity of the proposal is a question that would be answered by the courts. The opposition contends that the standard of care proposed by AB 2 is unclear and will result in significant financial risk to platforms. TechNet submits: It is entirely unclear what will constitute a violation of a platform's `responsibility of ordinary care and skill' in this context. Feasibly, any sort of negative impact on a child could be sufficient for a plaintiff to allege a breach of the platform's responsibility of ordinary care and skill. Every platform feature, every interaction between users, and every post that a teen sees could be the basis for a lawsuit. Reasonable people, even parents in the same household, might disagree about what is harmful to a particular teen. AB 2 asks social media to decide what is harmful to every user and exercise ordinary care to prevent that harm. This ambiguity will be impossible for platforms to operationalize. [... ] This vagueness, combined with high per -violation statutory penalties [... ] that are decoupled from a plaintiff's actual harm and potential lawsuits from outside of California, will invite a flood of frivolous litigation. The sponsors contend that the bill does not create any new duty of care, but rather specifies damages for a violation of an existing duty of care owed to a child user (as opposed to an adult). Under this theory, a claim brought under this new provision that is not dismissed as barred by either Section 230 or the First Amendment would need to establish the same elements of any other negligence claim — duty, breach of duty, causation (encompassing cause in fact and proximate cause), and harm. Each of these claims are sure to be fact -specific. In practice it seems that many claims will likely face steep uphill climbs to success. However, it is not impossible that a court may find merit in a claim that hinges, not on any particular content, but on an element of the platform itself, more akin to the approach suggested in Lemmon. The difficulty of bringing a negligence claim against the platforms is not raised to throw water on the concept proposed by this bill. Rather, it is raised to demonstrate that despite the potential appearance of significant economic liability for platforms, the actual risk is arguably quite minimal. It seems that platforms subject to liability under this measure, which is already limited to those generating more than $100,000,000 per year in gross revenue, are unlikely to face significant financial losses as a result of claims arising from the new statute. While it is possible that the potential of such a high reward could draw additional claims to be filed, it is far from a foregone conclusion that every claim will be successful. ARGUMENTS INSUPPORT: This bill is sponsored by Common Sense Media. It is supported by the California Charter Schools Association, the California Initiative for Technology and Democracy (CITED), the Children's Advocacy Institute, the Consumer Federation of California, the Jewish Family and Children's Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties, the Los Angeles County Office of Education, and the Organization for Social Media Safety. In support of the bill the sponsors submit: This bill establishes statutory damages under California's existing negligence law for harms to minors related to social media that can be proven in court. That is the only change to California law that this bill makes. These financial penalties are needed and intended to motivate large social media companies to do what they currently refuse to do - ensure that the way they design and operate their platforms does not injure young users. There is mounting evidence, including from internal company communications, that social media platforms AB 2 Page 8 contribute to our youth mental health crisis and to other direct harms to kids and teens, including accessing fentanyl and other illegal drugs. As the use of social media continues to climb among children and adolescents, so too does the urgency for legislative action. AB 2 offers a path to mitigate the risks faced by our youth in an increasingly connected world, ensuring that social media companies operate with the due care our children deserve. Again, AB 2 makes no other change to California law other than to introduce specific financial liabilities for platforms whose products or designs are proven in court to result in harm to minors, incentivizing those companies to prioritize the safety of their younger users. In light of the compelling association between social media use and injuries to young users, including effects on their mental well-being, we strongly urge your support for AB 2. Your action on this bill will be a significant step toward protecting our children and teens from the avoidable harms perpetuated through the negligence of social media companies. ARGUMENTS IN OPPOSITION: It is opposed by a coalition of tech -industry and advocates led TechNet, and the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF). EFF submits: We respectfully oppose A.B. 2, authored by Assemblymember Lowenthal, which would restrict all Californians' access to online information. A.B. 2 would allow for plaintiffs suing online information providers to collect statutory damages of up to $1 million dollars based on the vaguest of claims that the service violated "its responsibility of ordinary care and skill to a child." To be sure, children can be harmed online. A.B. 2, however, takes a deeply flawed and punitive approach to protecting children that will disproportionately harm everyone's ability to speak and to access information online. A.B. 2 picks up where Assemblymember Lowenthal's A.B. 3172 left off. Where A.B. 3172 set forth breaches of "ordinary care" that are "knowingly and willfully" made, A.B. 2 returns to the lower negligence standard in existing section 1714(a) and simply refers to a social media company breaching its "responsibility of ordinary care and skill to a child." The negligence standard is constitutionally deficient under the First Amendment, and what constitutes a social media company's duty of care to a minor remains vague. The heavy statutory damages imposed by A.B. 2 will result in broad censorship via scores of lawsuits that may claim any given content online is harmful to any child. California should not enact a law that would be more harmful to children and will not be enforceable in any event. Further, should it become law, it will also be ineffective because federal law preempts Californian's ability to hold online services civilly liable for harm caused by user -generated content. I ... I The platforms that do not block or moderate spaces where certain topics are discussed will likely instead attempt to age -verify users, in order to shield minors from allegedly harmful conversations, and to serve as a defense in lawsuits. As EFF has explained in other contexts, mandatory online age verification is itself a bad idea. AB 2 Page 9 As age verification requirements spread, Californians will be required to hand over much more private data simply to access online information. Mandatory online age verification invariably harms adults' rights to speak anonymously or to access lawful speech online. Further, age verification that relies on government -issued identification harms the tens of millions of Americans, already vulnerable and often low-income, who do not have an ID. Age verification induced by A.B. 2 could cause these Californians to lose access to basic online information and services, such as the ability to seek housing and employment. Californians should be concerned about the various ways children are harmed online, and should be exploring ways to prevent those harms. This includes enacting legislation that protects everyone's privacy online, including children. Those proposals have the benefit of reducing many online harms and being constitutional. A.B. 2 unfortunately will not reduce online harms to children and will likely be struck down as unconstitutional. For all these reasons, we must oppose A.B. 2 and respectfully urge the committee's "no" vote. REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION: Support California Charter Schools Association California Initiative for Technology & Democracy, a Project of California Common CAUSE California School Boards Association Children's Advocacy Institute Common Sense Consumer Federation of California Jewish Family and Children's Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties Los Angeles County Office of Education Organization for Social Media Safety Opposition California Chamber of Commerce Civil Justice Association of California (CJAC) Computer & Communications Industry Association Electronic Frontier Foundation TechNet-Technology Network Analysis Prepared by: Manuela Boucher -de la Cadena / JUD. / (916) 319-2334 AB 2 Page 1 ASSEMBLY THIRD READING AB 2 (Lowenthal and Patterson) As Amended April 3, 2025 Majority vote SUMMARY Augments the liability large social media platforms may face if they violate existing law by causing an injury to a minor through failure to exercise ordinary care. Major Provisions 1) Provides that a social media platform that, with respect to a minor, violates the existing statute governing liability for negligent harm caused to others and causes injury to the minor, is, in addition to any other liability owed, liable for statutory damages for the larger of the following: a) $5,000 per violation up to a maximum, per minor, of $1 million. b) Three times the amount of the minor's actual damages. 2) Provides that a waiver of the bill's provisions is void and unenforceable as contrary to public policy. 3) Applies only to social media platforms that generate more than $100 million per year in gross revenues. 4) Provides that all other duties, remedies, and obligations imposed under other provisions of law continue to apply. COMMENTS Social media harms to children. From 2010 to 2019, "rates of depression and anxiety —fairly stable during the 2000s—rose by more than 50% in many studies" and "[t]he suicide rate rose 48% for adolescents ages 10 to 19." This trend tracks "the years when adolescents in rich countries traded their flip phones for smartphones and moved much more of their social lives online —particularly onto social -media platforms designed for virality and addiction."1 According to the Surgeon General: [T]he current body of evidence indicates that while social media may have benefits for some children and adolescents, there are ample indicators that social media can also have a profound risk of harm to the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents. At i Haidt, End the Phone -Based Childhood Now (March 13, 2024) The Atlantic, https://www.theatlantic. com/technology/archive/2024/03/teen-childhood-smartphone-use-mental-health- effects/677722/. AB 2 Page 2 this time, we do not yet have enough evidence to determine if social media is sufficiently safe for children and adolescents.2 Social media companies have known for some time that social media use can be harmful to young users, and despite that knowledge, have continued to use algorithms and other design features to capture and hold their attention. Whistleblower Frances Haugen, for instance, revealed in 2021 that Facebook was well aware of the apparent connection between the teen mental health crisis and social media — including the severe harm to body image visited disproportionately on teen girls as a result of social comparison on these platforms — but nonetheless sought to recruit more children and expose them to addictive features that would lead to harmful content.3 Such revelations underscore the culpability of some social media companies in propagating features detrimental to the wellbeing of youth through intentional design choices that maximize engagement with profit -motivated online services. Enhanced liability for negligence. State law provides that everyone, including individuals, businesses, and other entities, has a duty of "ordinary care and skill" in the "management" of their "property or person" — the long-established standard for negligence. This bill provides that a social media platform that violates this duty and harms a minor is additionally liable for either $5,000 per violation, with a per -minor maximum of $1,000,000, or three times the amount of the minor's actual damages. Under existing law, social media platforms, like other entities, owe everyone a duty of care. The breach of this duty in a manner that causes harm can give rise to negligence lawsuits. This bill does not change those underlying principles. It simply increases the amount of damages that may be recovered if the injured party in such cases is a minor. Constitutional considerations. Under existing law, some cases against social media platforms do not make it past the hurdles posed by Section 230 of the federal Communications Decency Act of 1996 and the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Section 230 states, "No provider or user of an interactive computer service shall be treated as the publisher or speaker of any information provided by another information content provider." 4 Case law suggests that social media platforms continue to have a duty of care to users and that negligence claims arising from a platforms' independent conduct, rather than their status as publishers of third party content, are compatible with Section 230. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution, among other things, prohibits states from abridging freedom of speech. Because the bill does not regulate speech, it likely does not facially violate First Amendment. Nevertheless, as with negligence claims under existing law, there may be some cases in which the application of the bill to a particular situation unduly infringes on speech. 2 Surgeon General's Advisory, Social Media and Youth Mental Health (2023), p. 4, https://www. hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/reports-and-publications/youth-mental-health/social-media/index.html. s Facebook Whistleblower Frances Haugen Testifies on Children & Social Media Use: Full Senate Hearing Transcript (Oct. 5, 2021), https://www.rev.com/blog/transcripts/facebook-whistleblower-frances-haugen-testifies- on-children-social-media-use-full-senate-hearing-transcript. a 47 U.S.C. Section 230(c)(1). AB 2 Page 3 See the policy committee analyses for more discussion of these issues. According to the Author AB 2 amends Section 1714 of the Civil Code by adding statutory damages against platforms that are found in court to be liable under current law for negligently causing harm to children under the age of 18. Under the bill, if a company is proven to have failed to exercise its already established duty of operating with ordinary care, the company becomes financially liable for a set amount of $5,000 per violation, up to a maximum penalty of $1 million per child, or three times the amount of the child's actual damages, whichever is applicable. This financial liability aims to incentivize platforms who count their profits in the tens of billions to proactively safeguard children against potential harm by changing how they operate their platforms. Arguments in Support The Los Angeles County Office of Education, co-sponsors of the bill, write: Social media platforms must be held accountable for the harm they cause, particularly to minors who are uniquely vulnerable to the harmful effects of online engagement. Research has repeatedly shown the detrimental impact of social media on young people's mental health, contributing to a range of issues, including increased instances of cyberbullying, mental health crises, and even acts of violence. While social media platforms prioritize user engagement and growth, they often fail to adequately consider the safety and wellness of younger users. Given this imbalance, it is crucial that social media companies are required to uphold a standard of ordinary care in their management of content and interactions involving minors. This bill would establish much - needed accountability by holding social media platforms liable for civil penalties if they fail to exercise the necessary care to protect children on their platforms. Arguments in Opposition A coalition of industry opponents jointly write: First, companies could adjust their policies and terms of service to exclude all users under the age of 18. This would be a tremendous and detrimental blow to teens' ability to access information and the open internet. As discussed below, this violates First Amendment principles and protections for teens. However, even if a platform stated in its terms of service that teens under 18 were not allowed on the platform and took steps to prevent their access, that may not be enough to avoid liability for a teen who accesses the site anyway and has a negative outcome. Second, companies could also adjust their terms of service so that users under the age of 18 have a heavily sanitized version of the platform. This could include limiting which users teens can interact with (e.g. only users approved by parents), which features they have access to (no messaging or public posting), and even what content they can interact with or view (no political, news, or other "potentially harmful" content). This might reduce but would not prevent every instance of harm to teens given the nebulousness and subjectivity that is inherent in defining "harm". This bill's implicit concern is harmful content. It is impossible for companies to identify and remove every potentially harmful piece of content because there's no clear consensus on what AB 2 Page 4 exactly constitutes harmful content, apart from clearly illicit content. Determining what is harmful is highly subjective and varies from person to person, making it impossible to make such judgments on behalf of millions of users. Faced with this impossible task and the liability imposed by this bill, some platforms may decide to aggressively over restrict content that could be considered harmful for teens. For instance, content promoting healthy eating could be restricted due to concerns it could lead to body image issues. Similarly, content about the climate crisis or foreign conflicts would need to be restricted as it could lead to depression, anxiety, and self -harm. Additionally, beneficial information like anti -drug or smoking cessation programs, mental health support, and gender identity resources could get overregulated because of the impossibility of deciding what is harmful to every user. Furthermore, platforms would need to evaluate whether to eliminate fundamental features and functions of their platform, features that are the reason teens and users go to their platforms, due to the legal risk involved. For instance, since direct messaging features could potentially be misused for contacting and bullying other teens, such features would likely be removed. Teens' use of these platforms would be overly policed and sanitized to such a degree that they would surely leave our sites in favor of others that don't meet AB 2's $100 million revenue threshold. Collectively, our organizations represent platforms that take their responsibility to their users incredibly seriously and have devoted millions of dollars to increasing the safety and enjoyment of their platforms. Teens will seek out the ability to interact online, whether it is on our platforms or on others, including ones that don't prioritize their safety and well-being. FISCAL COMMENTS As currently in print, this bill is keyed nonfiscal. VOTES ASM PRIVACY AND CONSUMER PROTECTION: 9-0-6 YES: Dixon, Berman, Bryan, Lowenthal, McKinnor, Ortega, Patterson, Pellerin, Ward ABS, ABST OR NV: Bauer -Kahan, DeMaio, Irwin, Macedo, Petrie -Norris, Wilson ASM JUDICIARY: 9-0-3 YES: Kalra, Wicks, Bryan, Connolly, Harabedian, Pacheco, Papan, Stefani, Zbur ABS, ABST OR NV: Dixon, Sanchez, Tangipa UPDATED VERSION: April 3, 2025 CONSULTANT: Josh Tosney / P. & C.P. / (916) 319-2200 FN: 0000226 Date: 6/10/2025 4:54:03 PM From "Sandra Gregware" To: "Public Comment" publiccomment@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Housing for me and my husbands service dog You don't often get en ail from Learn wh�miportatat Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Hi my name is Sandra Lynn Gregware- Warner me and my Husband Timothy Warner which is no longer with us he passed away on April 28th 2025,and now that he has passed away I have his service dog and we are currently on the streets now cause before he passed he bad a voucher which because I was his wife I was on his voucher but we had gotten into a fight to where the cops was called and I leff the apartment and then the voucher was ternvnated,so the reason for this I think that Anaheim housing authority has not been a help to me because they asked me to go get a restraining order on my husband they would help me with a voucher but didn't even gave me a chance to even appeal their decision at MIA fter I went to the office and was begging them for help for them to try to get me a emergency voucher I was left on the streets to try to figure out who could help me I even hired a housing lawyer and still today I'm currently on the streets,and then they chose me for the section 8 lottery and now it says as ofApA 28th 2025 I am no longer on the wait list due to returned rmi1 so the day that my husband died I was taken offthe wait list only because of Anaheim housing authority An back on the streets cause if they would of helped me when my husband decided to put his hands on me and they didn't even help me out with resources or anything and never even kept in contact with me to let me know wat was going on cause Dionne Said she was gonna help me as soon as I either got the police report or the restraining order and she also told my husband the same thing if he filed a restraining order on me he would be able to keep the voucher and take me of of his voucher but they canceled the voucher due to the apartment complex wouldn't sign the HAP contract due to homeless people going and coming from the apartment and bikes parked in the unit and the guest had pets with them is the reason why they wouldn't sign the HAP contract me and my husband was homeless before we roved into the apartment complex but I think they have done me wrong I have appealed why there decision is wrong and I haven't heard anything back from about rrry housing voucher and because of I really am on the streets cause I can't do a horless shelter again because my mental health can't handle it again and it's getting mach worse now that my husband is gone if I could have a chance to have my own place I think I could turn my We back around and accomplish what I need to do to get a job and succeed but I've been on the streets I've been raped out here and need sonic help and when I went and actually asked I was ignored so I'm reaching out for help one more time so if anyone can help me with housing please I really need it Sincerely Sandra Lynn Gregware-Wammer